Cory Marks – Sorry For Nothing Volume 2: Where Whisky Flows and Rock Roars

Review By Glen Parkes

Canadian country-rock powerhouse Cory Marks has never been one to play by the rules. From the moment his breakout single “Outlaws & Outsiders” exploded onto the scene in 2019—featuring the unlikely but perfect combination of Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch), Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), and Travis Tritt—Marks has been pushing the boundaries between country grit and rock rebellion. That track not only earned him his first RIAA Gold certification in the U.S. but also made history as the first Top 10 U.S. rock radio single by a Canadian country artist, racking up over 212 million streams along the way. Fast forward to 2025, and Marks is back with his fourth album, Sorry For Nothing Volume 2—a record that proves he’s still walking the line between Nashville soul and arena rock swagger with his boots planted firmly on both sides.

Released October 3rd via Better Noise Music, Sorry For Nothing Volume 2 is a full-throttle ride that blends honky-tonk attitude with hard rock punch. The album features 10 new tracks that swing between reflective storytelling and whisky-fuelled chaos, produced by an all-star team including Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain), Kile Odell (Nothing More, Nita Strauss), and Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert). This trio brings a gritty polish that captures Marks’ signature sound perfectly—a mix of blue-collar authenticity and stadium-sized ambition.

From the opening riff of “Hangman”, Marks sets the tone: bold, defiant, and unapologetic. The track kicks off the record with thunderous percussion and a driving groove that wouldn’t feel out of place on a modern rock station. It’s a warning shot and an invitation rolled into one—a statement that Cory Marks has no intention of slowing down.

The album’s latest single, “Whisky River”, is a highlight and an instant crowd-pleaser. Described by Marks as a “rowdy, honky-tonk feel-good country anthem made for late nights and good times”, it’s exactly that and more. Twangy guitars meet stomping drums as Marks spins a story of escape—a man running to his favourite watering hole when the world gets too heavy. The chorus, drenched in southern swagger, feels tailor-made for packed bars and festival stages. You can almost hear the crowd shouting it back, bottles raised, as Marks growls through each verse with equal parts grit and charm.

Then there’s “Are You With Me”, a track that captures his softer side without losing the edge. It’s the kind of mid-tempo anthem that speaks to loyalty and life on the road, while “Change The Game” fires back at the music industry with a sneer and a smirk, a defiant middle finger to anyone trying to put him in a box.

But Marks doesn’t just live in the loud moments. Songs like “The Heart Breaks When It Wants To” and “Empty Bottles” reveal a more vulnerable, introspective side—proof that beneath the leather and attitude lies a songwriter with something real to say. The former is a slow-burning epic that unfolds with aching precision, while the latter captures the quiet aftermath of too many nights lost to regret.

For fans of old-school country, “A Different Kind of Year” offers a more traditional moment, built around acoustic warmth and heartfelt storytelling. Meanwhile, “Wild Ride” and “Pick Up The Phone” bring the energy back with soaring choruses and blistering guitar work that straddle the line between classic rock and outlaw country.

By the time the acoustic version of “Sorry For Nothing” closes the album, Marks has taken listeners on a full-circle journey. Stripped of electric firepower, it’s raw and honest—a reminder that at the heart of his sound lies storytelling, heart, and grit. It’s a fitting end to an album that feels both like a continuation and an evolution of everything that’s come before.

Sorry For Nothing Volume 2 isn’t just an album—it’s a mission statement. It’s the sound of a man comfortable in his own skin, unbothered by labels, and unafraid to blend worlds that weren’t meant to collide. The production crackles with modern polish, but the spirit remains pure outlaw—a reflection of Marks himself.

As he gears up to tour with Sevendust on their Southside Double-Wide Tour this fall, and following his recent runs through Canada, Europe, and the U.S. (including shows with Dorothy, Toby Keith, and Theory Of A Deadman), it’s clear that Cory Marks isn’t just crossing genres—he’s crossing borders, winning fans from both sides of the aisle.

With over 386 million global streams and growing, Cory Marks is redefining what it means to be a modern outlaw. Sorry For Nothing Volume 2 is proof that you can mix metal and country, twang and thunder, and still come out sounding like yourself. It’s bold, it’s heartfelt, and it’s the kind of record that demands to be played loud—preferably with a glass of whisky in hand.

Verdict: Sorry For Nothing Volume 2 is a shot of southern spirit with a hard rock chaser—proof that Cory Marks is the bridge between Nashville and the Sunset Strip we didn’t know we needed.