When former Three Days Grace vocalist Adam Gontier got together to write some music with Staind guitarist Mike Mushok, neither had the intention of giving us this summer’s hottest new band yet that’s exactly what happened. With a ton of great material, Saint Asonia was born. Along with Eye Empire bassist Corey Lowery and former Finger Eleven drummer Rich Beddoe, Saint Asonia became a full fledged band making their debut at this year’s Rock on the Range to an appreciate audience.
With the release of their self-titled debut, Saint Asonia is proof positive that rock and roll is alive and well. With the hard driving first single “Better Place,” the record takes off and takes the listener on a heavy, emotional journey. Gontier’s vocals have never been better. He truly is one of the most emotive singers out there. Along with the heavy riffs of Mushok, songs like “Blow Me Wide Open” and “Let Me Live My Life” hit you like a storm. The lyrics are powerful whether describing the ending of a relationship or finding your true self. The slow start of “Dying Slowly” mesmerizes before it quickly builds to a blistering climax. One of the best tracks on the album is “Fairy Tale,” a classic power rocker with a catchy chorus that will have fans with fists pumping. Included is a revamped version of the acoustic “Trying To Catch Up With the World” from Gontier’s solo career. Closings things out is the thoughtful and reflective “Leaving Minnesota,” with the passion of Gontier’s vocals drawing you in.
Saint Asonia has given us a debut album that showcases not only the individual talent of its members but the cohesiveness of the band as a whole and the result is one hell of a rock and roll record.
