Fortitude unlocks success. It’s the ability to roll with the punches in the face of all opposition and emerge triumphantly. It’s also honed by years of quiet dedication, devotion, and diligence. This mental, physical, emotional, and musical wherewithal fuels Sons of Texas on their aptly titled second full-length album, Forged By Fortitude. Proud disciples of Pantera, Alice In Chains, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and even Vicente Fernández, the McAllen, TX quintet—Mark Morales [vocals], Mike Villareal [drums], Nick Villarreal [bass], Jon Olivares [guitar], and Jes De Hoyos [guitar]—rise up from the Rio Grande valley with a rollicking hard rock sound steeped in metallic intricacy, grunge soul, southern-fried blues, and just the right amount of Tejano spirit.