martindavey87 ‘Flawed Design’ is the second album by hard rock supergroup, Saint Asonia. Released in 2019, it follows in very much the same vein as the band’s debut, but with more polished songwriting and better production, showing that this is indeed a very legit band, and not just another short-lived side-project.

Admittedly, it was being a fan of former bass player Corey Lowery that led me to discovering this band, and while he’s no longer a member, it hasn’t deterred me from enjoying this album, maybe even more so than its predecessor.

Of course, anyone who listens to contemporary hard rock will know what to expect, and as I said about the bands self-titled debut, Saint Asonia don’t offer anything new or unique, but just good, well-written songs and hard-hitting anthems. Frontman Adam Gontier’s melodic and gravelly voice intertwines perfectly with the crushing guitar riffs of Mike Mushok (of Staind fame), with lyrics once again being drawn upon by personal experiences and thoughts.

Of course, again, this is nothing new, but just good, solid, hard rock. Songs like ‘The Hunted’, ‘Blind’, ‘Another Fight’, ‘’Sirens’, ‘Justify’ and the title track, ‘Flawed Design’, are all absolute bangers that make this an album to own, and demonstrates a band with unlimited potential that are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

martindavey87 While most often recognized as Adam Gontier's band (of Three Days Grace fame), it was bassist Corey Lowery that led me to Saint Asonia. As a huge fan of Stuck Mojo and the countless nu metal bands Lowery has been involved with, a quick YouTube search led me to the video for 'Better Place' and discovering a hard rock supergroup that have all the tools (and experience) to be more than just "another project".

Accompanying Gontier and Lowery are guitarist Mike Mushok of Staind fame, and Rich Beddoe of Finger Eleven (perhaps the most least known of the lot, other than their one mega hit "One Thing" from way back in the day). Fans of any of these artists respective bands will enjoy what Saint Asonia have to offer.

The music is hard-hitting and well produced, with some catchy vocal melodies and crushing guitar riffs. It's not anything new or unique, but then, it doesn't have to be. This is simple rock music at its finest. It's not overly ambitious or metaphorical, it's very real music with personal lyrics that anyone can relate to.

'Let Me Live My Life', 'Fairy Tale', 'Trying to Catch up With the World' and of course, 'Better Place' are all highlights of this album that show a band with limitless potential. In fact, 'Better Place' alone (which has been on constant rotation for me since its release), makes this self-titled debut a worthy purchase.