Afflicted By Design is an Austin, TX-based, guitar-driven Industrial rock band founded in 2012 by S.A. Sebastian Gnolfo. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Sebastian is the only official member of Afflicted By Design. Afflicted By Design pays homage to Sebastian’s Goth, Industrial and Heavy Metal roots, drawing comparisons to bands such as Rammstein, Ministry, Rob Zombie and Filter. For each Afflicted By Design release Sebastian is joined by different musicians and former bandmates from the New York City, Los Angeles and Austin Industrial, metal and punk scenes.
On Nov 4, 2014, Afflicted By Design released the single, “I Believe In Halloween,” a cover of the goth-punk classic by the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black. “I Believe In Halloween” features Sebastian on lead vocals, guitars, bass and synths with Michael J. Carrasquillo (isol8ed, ex-Slick Idiot) on drums and background vocals, and Dylan Sinclair (Scratcher, Blueberry High Heels) on lead guitar.
On May 14, 2013, Afflicted By Design released its first Ep, entitled #nameless, a collection of 3 original tracks. #nameless features Sebastian on lead vocals, guitars, bass and synths with Michael J. Carrasquillo (isol8ed, ex-Slick Idiot) on drums, Pete Collins (Freedom) and Skunk Manhattan (Quartershackle, A Good Rogering) both on lead guitars.
Afflicted By Design is currently writing and recording the follow-up to #nameless plus working on songs that will make up several more Eps to be released in 2015.