LAMB OF GOD's MARK MORTON Originally Wanted SLASH To Appear On 'Anesthetic' Album

LAMB OF GOD's Mark Morton told RockSverige in a new interview that he originally approached GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash about appearing on his recently released debut solo album, "Anesthetic".

"I'm friendly with Slash and we've talked a few times," Morton said. "He's a LAMB OF GOD fan, from what I understand. I had corresponded with Slash enough where I felt comfortable asking him if I could send him a song. I think it was while he was touring with GUNS N' ROSES, when I reached out to him. He replied: 'Yeah, I'd consider it. I'm busy, but if I can find the time, send me the track and let me have a listen and I'll go from there.' What a positive and awesome response. In the meantime, I cut a solo for the song that I was going to send him because I hadn't heard back and didn't know what was going down, and it just so happened to be a solo I really loved, so I never sent him the song. [Laughs] That's how that worked out. Not that I'm better than Slash. Slash is one of my favorite guitar players. I love, love Slash and GN'R. I got a magic take and I didn't want to let go of it. I just never sent the e-mail. [Laughs]"

Asked what it is about Slash that makes him such a great player, Morton said: "Man, it's all of it. He's just one of those guys like Joe Perry or something. He's got a style that is bluesy and really based in classic blues rock and just cool licks but a signature sound, in the same way that Jimmy Page will do his bends and it sings in a certain way. It's just not common and Slash has those idiosyncrasies too which give him a character on the instrument. That's one of the most valuable things you can have as a player, a sound that is unique to you and a voice of your own and a character to your playing that still fits within the framework of your band and the song and that tells it's you. Slash is for sure one of those guys and he's just cool. [Laughs]"

"Anesthetic", produced by Josh Wilbur and executive produced by Jake Oni, was released on March 1 via WPP Records/Spinefarm. Guest artists on the LP include late LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington, Paolo Gregoletto and Alex Bent of TRIVIUM, Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH, ALTER BRIDGE's Myles Kennedy, STONE SOUR drummer Roy Mayorga, KORN drummer Ray Luzier and ALICE IN CHAINS bassist Mike Inez.

Morton will embark on a U.S. co-headline tour with LIGHT THE TORCH this spring. MOON TOOTH will also appear. The live configuration of Morton's band will include Mark Morales (SONS OF TEXAS) on lead vocals, Doc Coyle (BAD WOLVES, GOD FORBID) on guitar, Nick Villarreal (SONS OF TEXAS) on bass, and Art Cruz (PRONG, WINDS OF PLAGUE) on drums, plus additional special guest appearances along the way.