Bronco Forte – Lightening Scars

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · April 30, 2026

Bronco Forte is a four-piece heavy rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band consists of Chris Klepac on guitar and vocals, Sako Injaian on guitar and vocals, Jen Glomboski on bass and vocals, and Geoff Summers on drums. The band released their debut Self Titled EP in 2023 and most recently their debut full length album entitled Lightening Scars on April 3rd 2026. It contains ten tracks at forty one minutes long.

The first thing I noticed about Bronco Forte is how great they sound! “Emberwalker” opens up the record with the guitars starting the riff, enabling the drums and the other instruments to sit in the pocket. This allows the riff and melodies to be the primary focus, as the band are playing for the song, and not competing with each other. The great singing and vocal harmonies drive the simplicity of the songs further along. “Cultist Canyon” is a melodic and memorable song that has such swagger and smooth vocals matching the elegant strive of the music. Both guitarists play well together and accent certain parts expertly, keeping the dynamics of the song active. I really enjoy the laidback feel of these tracks too.

The third track, “Goat Church” might be one of the heaviest songs on Lightening Scars. The doom crunching guitars at the start of the song switches into a nice desert flow when the verses kick in. The exceptional vocals are another powerful addition to this terrific band. I really like the unhurried approach to these songs and the clarity of the music is a nice touch. “Towers” begins with the bass and swinging drums accompanied by some fuzz drenched guitar sounds. The odd time rhythm is augmented with the melodious voice of Chris Klepac. The excellent track is a solid mix of hard rock, post hardcore, and alternative grunge. “Hellascope” is another banger! It has a slower but consistent tempo, allowing the vocals to lead the charge on this one. I love the loose playing but tight execution of how Bronco Forte interacts with each other. They sound so in tune with each other and confident in their own musical role in this band.

“Scuffed Up” is another magnificent song! It has an edgier punch to the riffs but remains vocally soothing and stable. The music has a freeness about it, especially when they kick into a righteous riff, the last minute of the song. “Dust Jacket” is another sonically pleasing tune that has a melancholy and mellow pace, while packing in the riffs and harmonies. The title track “Lightening Scar” is a more upbeat hard rocker. The mid paced number has a psychedelic twist midway through before the guitar lead. The vocals are hook-driven and this song is radio friendly, if that was still a thing.

The ninth track, called “Obvious Alias” has a classic Sabbath riffage starting off this heavy rocker. I hear a very COC crunch wrapped in a subtle southern rock draw. The enticing classic track, unleashes interesting rhythm structures and powerful guitar leads. The soulful singing reminds me of The Brought Low, which is triggering the southern rock vibe also. The music is probably its most dynamic and intricate on this track, dropping cool drum fills and interesting guitar nuances. The song floats right into the final track, called “Sixteen Lanes”. It has a similar style as the previous one but with a bouncier vibrancy to it. I really enjoy it and the whole freaking album! I like when I can listen to music and not worry about a damn thing around me. Bronco Forte has a perfect blend of hard rock that is completely natural sounding and soothing to me. It doesn’t spike up my adrenaline and make me anxious, but it actually calms me to really relax and enjoy these radiant songs. Lightening Scars will be my feel good record, when I need a mental reset and a break from the turmoil. Bronco Forte is an exquisite and top notch band that should impress anyone into great sounding hard rock music.