After more than three decades in heavy music, Lamb Of God guitarist Mark Morton reflects on the dramatic evolution of the industry since his band first started.

The Richmond, VA metal band's trajectory shifted significantly when they signed with Epic Records in 2003 and released their major-label debut in 2004.

This marked a major step forward after years of operating on minimal budgets.

"We have made records early on that were on a shoestring budget," Morton recalls.

"But signing a contract like that and getting into the big league took some pressure off of the finances." Despite this progress, the guitarist didn't expect the band's success to last forever.

"I lived pretty humbly," he said.

"And I just figured we'd be touring for a couple years and then eventually have to go back to some kind of day job." However, Lamb Of God has defied expectations, with Morton emphasizing that creativity remains at the heart of the band.

"We do so many things," he explains.

"A band at this level, we do a lot of things.

We play shows, we tour and play concerts, we write and record music." One of the most significant shifts Morton has witnessed is how fans consume music.

"I've been around long enough to see when we first started, we sold a lot of records, physical copies – CDs," he said.

"And now less so.

And streaming is obviously the way people consume most of the music." Morton notes that change isn't unique to music and all businesses must adapt to shifting landscapes.

The guitarist also reminisces about balancing life before signing with Epic Records.

Before his band's breakthrough, Morton was a roofer who worked on side projects while hustling for gigs.

He recalls: "I was kind of doing side work and stuff, just kind of hustling." But after securing a major-label deal, Morton notes that financial pressures still existed within the band itself.

"The most pressure I ever felt wasn't from them; it was self-imposed," he admits." The challenge facing Lamb Of God when they signed with Epic Records came down to producing new material for their next album.

With As the Palaces Burn already being a fan favorite, Morton acknowledges: "We were kind of creatively squeezed out." Nevertheless, the band overcame this hurdle and went on to produce successful albums.

Despite the many changes in the industry since his band's inception, Lamb Of God has demonstrated resilience.

The band's ability to adapt and thrive despite such significant shifts is truly remarkable.