Hey there fellow metal heads, I’m here to tell about the new Sons of Texas album, ‘Forged By Fortitude’. For those not familiar with Sons of Texas, they are a band based out of McAllen, Texas. Formed in 2013, this group is still new but the sound they produce is so tight you’d think they’ve been jamming together for decades. I got my first experience with Sons of Texas seeing them about four months ago as they were touring with Fozzy and Kyng.
I was really impressed with how well they sounded live. Before seeing them live, I had never heard their debut album ‘Baptized In The Rio Grande’, which was released in 2015. I may have heard a song or two by them on the radio but I wouldn’t have been able to identify it as Sons of Texas. But after seeing them live, they really got my attention. So, when the opportunity arrived to review this album, I pounced on it.
The chemistry between this band is great as they all shine together while still getting those opportunities to display their individual talents. Mark Morales is a staunch presence on lead vocals who has the range to pull off fast paced in your face songs to slower subtle tunes. Pummeling out the rhythm session is Mike Villareal on drums and Nick Villareal on bass. With Jon Olivarez on rhythm guitar and Jes De Hoyos on lead guitar.
Sons of Texas is for those who like heavy southern groove rock. You can hear the influence of Pantera and ZZ Top in their music. And they pull it off very well, creating a versatile array of songs that touch on various genres from heavy metal to blues, but always rock n roll at the heart of it all.
With ‘Forged By Fortitude’, Sons of Texas has 11 tracks that offer up some heavy grooves. “Beneath the Riverbed” is out there now as the band has even made a video to support the song. This song is a good indication of all that Sons of Texas does on this album. A combination of soothing vocals with heavy crunching guitars and beats.
One of my favorite songs happens to be the first track, titled, “Buy in to Sell Out”. I think I like this song because it reminds me of Slipknot. Intense vocals and relentless music makes for one hell of an introduction into the album. This heaviness is what got my attention from this band. But what kept me listening is those other tunes that displayed their range. ‘Forged By Fortitude’ will appeal to those who like variety. As tracks “Forged By Fortitude”, “Down In The Trenches”, and “Jaded Eyes” will have you pumped full of energy, excellent workout music. Then you get songs like “Wasp Woman” that show heart and love. I mentioned there’s a ZZ Top influence, I think you’ll quickly find that out when you listen to “Slam With The Lights On”, this song is full of that bluesy sexuality, a fun tune that I’m sure some children will be conceived to. Some other songs that stand out to me are “Feed The Need” and “Cast In Stone” for their high rev intensity.
Sons of Texas have created some splendid work in the early goings of this band. With ‘Forged By Fortitude’ being released on September 22nd, my fellow metal heads, don’t hesitate to buy this album, you’ll be in for some good groovy heavy metal rocking’ tunes.
