No Apologies: Cory Marks Doubles Down on His Sound with ‘Sorry for Nothing, Vol. 2’

By All That Shreds Magazine

There’s a certain defiance in the title of Cory Marks’ latest project. When we connect, the Canadian powerhouse is buzzing with the kind of energy that comes from an artist who has fully leaned into his identity. His new album, Sorry for Nothing, Vol. 2, is a direct sequel to the 2022 EP that first cemented his fusion of country storytelling and hard-rock muscle. This time, he’s back with a full-length statement, and the message is clear: he’s not toning it down for anyone.

All That Shreds (ATS): Cory, great to talk to you. The title Sorry for Nothing, Vol. 2 is brilliantly unapologetic. What does this title mean to you now, and why was it the right fit for this chapter?

Cory Marks (CM): (Chuckles) Yeah, it pretty much says it all, doesn’t it? The first Sorry for Nothing was us planting a flag. It was like, “This is who I am, this is the music I love to make, and if you don’t like the loud guitars or the heavy drums, that’s okay, but I’m not sorry for it.” With Vol. 2, we’re taking that same attitude and amplifying it. It’s a continuation of that philosophy, but the songs are bigger, the production is grittier, and the stories are, I think, even more personal. It’s not about being arrogant; it’s about being authentic.

ATS: The lead single, “Hangman,” is a straight-up barnburner. It feels like a natural evolution from the first volume. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind that track?

CM: Man, that song is just pure fun. It’s about letting loose, having a good time, and yeah, maybe using a little whiskey as a scapegoat. We wanted to kick the album off with a track that immediately gets your heart pumping. It’s got that twin-guitar attack, a driving rhythm section, and a melody that I think sticks with you. It’s the kind of song that’s built for a live show—when we play it, the place just explodes.

ATS: While the energy is high, there are always those moments of reflection in your work. A song like “Empty Bottles” seems to showcase that other side. How important is it for you to have that balance on a record like this?

CM: It’s everything. You can’t have ten tracks that are all 100 miles per hour. Life isn’t like that. “Empty Bottles” is one of my favorites on the record because it’s raw and honest. It’s a song about introspection, about looking in the mirror and acknowledging your flaws. That’s the country side of me, the storyteller. If “Hangman” is the party, “Empty Bottles” is the 3 a.m. drive home, just you and your thoughts. You need both to tell a complete story.

ATS: Calling it Vol. 2 implies a direct lineage. For fans who loved the first volume, what can they expect that’s new or evolved on this one?

CM: I think the songwriting has matured. We’ve gotten even better at blending the elements so it doesn’t feel forced. The country twang sits naturally next to the metal scream. We also experimented more with sounds and textures on this one—some Southern rock grooves, even a few almost cinematic moments. It’s the same Cory Marks recipe, but we’ve added a few new spices to the mix.

ATS: With the landscape of country music continuing to expand, do you feel like the audience is more ready for Sorry for Nothing, Vol. 2 than ever before?

CM: Without a doubt. The fans have been the ones driving this from the start. They’re the ones who stream the songs, buy the tickets, and scream the lyrics back at us. They don’t live in a genre box. They want music that’s real, that has passion and power. This album is for them. It’s a thank you for accepting me for who I am, and a promise that I’m not going anywhere.

ATS: So, the title says it all—no apologies. What’s the one thing you are absolutely not sorry for on this album?

CM: (Laughs) I’m not sorry for the noise! I’m not sorry for the loud, screaming guitars, for the double-kick drum in a song about my hometown, or for telling my truth. This record is me, 100%. And if that ruffles a few feathers or breaks a few rules, then I guess we’ve done our job.

Cory Marks’ new album, ‘Sorry for Nothing, Vol. 2,’ is available now on all platforms.