Flaw (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Jason Daunt |
| Headquarters | Louisville, Kentucky , United States |
| Products | Nu metal music albums |
Flaw is a nu metal group originating from Louisville, Kentucky, established in 1996 by guitarist Jason Daunt. Following their initial independent recordings during the late 1990s, they secured a deal with Republic and Universal Music Group, releasing two major label albums: Through the Eyes in 2001 and Endangered Species in 2004. Despite experiencing lineup fluctuations and disbandments throughout the 2000s, the band regrouped between 2015 and 2017 with key members to tour and produce new material. Their third studio album, Divided We Fall, came out in 2016, followed by Vol IV: Because of the Brave in 2019, and a covers collection titled Revival in 2022. Lead singer Chris Volz has remained the sole constant member amid numerous personnel changes.
Formation and early independent releases (1996–2000)
Flaw was created in 1996 when vocalist Chris Volz answered an advertisement placed by guitarist Jason Daunt seeking a singer. Their partnership quickly took shape, completing their debut track, "Inner Strength," within a matter of days.
After several shifts in the rhythm section, bassist Ryan Jurhs joined in 1997, stabilizing the lineup. That same year, Flaw self-produced the album American Arrogance. Working with limited financial resources, they took advantage of a 30-day return policy on gear purchased through the Musician's Friend catalog. This release helped them secure opening slots for bands such as Fear Factory and Econoline Crush, while gaining additional airplay on local station The Fox. Subsequent independent efforts included the eponymous Flaw (1998) and the Drama EP (2000). By 1999, the lineup solidified with Lance Arny on second guitar and Chris Ballinger on drums.
Through the Eyes and Endangered Species (2001–2004)
Performing at New York City's CBGB, Flaw caught the attention of Republic and Universal Music Group, leading to a contract signing in 2000. Early in 2001, they recorded their debut major-label album, Through the Eyes, at Sound City under producer David Bottrill. Released in October that year, the album reached number one on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart and climbed to No. 119 on the Billboard 200. The band supported the release with singles like "Payback" and "Whole," also participating in the 2002 Ozzfest. Additionally, "Only the Strong" was featured on The Scorpion King soundtrack.
In 2004, Flaw commenced work on their sophomore album, Endangered Species. Following departures of Daunt and Ballinger—Daunt’s exit attributed to "personal and creative differences," including allegations of physical altercations—the band incorporated drummer Micah Havertape. Operating as a quartet streamlined their creative process and internal dynamics. Released in May 2004, the album debuted at No. 42 on the Billboard 200, selling over 27,000 copies during its first week. It yielded one single, "Recognize," which peaked at No. 25 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. Touring plans were curtailed when a scheduled tour with Ill Niño and Drowning Pool was canceled due to promoter complications. Both albums failed to meet commercial expectations according to Universal Music Group standards, resulting in Flaw being dropped from their label later that year and eventually disbanding.
Breakups, side-projects, and internal conflicts (2005–2012)
Following the group's dissolution, individual members embarked on separate ventures. Among these, Volz established Five.Bolt.Main alongside drummer Ivan Arnold, who had previously collaborated with Flaw. The band secured a deal with Rock Ridge Records and released the album Venting in 2005 before ultimately disbanding. In late 2006, Flaw reunited with key figures Volz, Daunt, and Ballinger, culminating in a reunion performance in March 2007 that introduced the new song "Do You Remember." They toured through April featuring Volz, Daunt, Arny, Ballinger, and bassist Van Avery.
Efforts to create fresh material were hindered by internal challenges. Volz concentrated on his solo project Redemption, undertaking a tour in late 2007. By early 2008, Volz and Daunt launched Foundation, which performed throughout that year before reverting to the Flaw name to prevent confusion in the market caused by overlapping personnel and similar setlists. The band underwent numerous lineup alterations, incorporating guitarist Nathan McDaniel, bassist Jimmie Stalings, and drummer Terry Harper.
In January 2009, Flaw renewed their focus on producing a new album and securing label support. Although unable to obtain a record deal, they independently released their third studio effort Home Grown Studio Sessions in November 2009 with a lineup including Volz, Arny, Juhrs, guitarist Andy Russ, and drummer Sean Rued. The group toured extensively to promote the album; however, sales were disappointing. Arny noted that awareness of the release remained minimal even nine months afterward. Touring extended into 2010 with Chris Marple stepping in on bass and guitar as required. That September, the band performed alongside Tantric, Burn Halo, and Adema. By the end of the year, renewed internal disputes led to show cancellations and a period of inactivity.
Divided We Fall (2013–2016)
On July 16, 2013, the band reassembled with the lineup from Through The Eyes: Jason Daunt, Chris Volz, Lance Arny, Ryan Jurhs, and Chris Ballinger. Their goal was to tour and produce a new studio album. By February 2014, they had demoed between fourteen and fifteen new tracks, including three reworked older songs. Despite these efforts, funding proved insufficient; an Indiegogo campaign launched in July aimed at supporting a U.S. tour and a 2015 album release raised only about 25% of its target. In September, Arny departed due to internal disagreements. Touring continued with appearances such as the October 2014 Louder Than Life festival alongside Korn and Papa Roach. In December, Ballinger was dismissed for "personal and creative differences" and replaced by drummer Corey Sturgill as the band proceeded as a quartet.
In March 2015, Volz revealed that recording sessions with producer Skidd Mills had commenced for their fourth album. Plans included "The Reawakening Tour" with Seasons After scheduled for May–June and an intended late-2015 album launch. April saw the exclusive debut of "Bleed Red" on SiriusXM Octane to assess audience response. By September, Daunt confirmed that songwriting was complete and that label support was being sought once more. The album's release date shifted to early 2016. In November, Flaw signed with Pavement Entertainment and set an April 29, 2016 release date.
After several postponements, Divided We Fall was finally released on August 19, 2016, preceded by the single "Live and Breathe." To promote it, the band toured alongside Dope and Motograter. They also issued the b-sides EP United We Stand on September 1, 2017. Lineup changes continued during touring: Jurhs and Sturgill exited in December 2016; Tommy Gibbons (guitar), Jeff Dickie (bass), and Skylar Martin (drums) joined as replacements. Martin left in February 2017 and was succeeded by Dan Johnson, formerly associated with Red.
Vol IV: Because of the Brave, internal conflicts, and lineup developments (2017–present)
In November 2017, Jason Daunt, the band's founder, departed once more, attributing his exit to concerns over Volz's conduct impacting the group's cohesion—an assertion Volz denied. Following this, Daunt established a new project named "Scars of the Unbroken," collaborating with former Flaw members Jurhs, Gibbons, and Sturgill. Meanwhile, Volz commenced work on a new Flaw album slated for release in 2018.
In March 2018, Flaw’s crowdfunding initiative aimed at securing a tour van attracted nationwide media coverage after being spotlighted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This exposure culminated in Colbert presenting the band with a used van during their July appearance. Additionally, the band produced a music video for their single "Conquer This Climb," featuring Colbert, from their forthcoming Vol. IV album.
Vol IV: Because of the Brave was officially released on July 19, 2019. Soon after, musician Douglas Patrick from YouTube accused Flaw of appropriating his instrumental composition for the track "Wake Up," threatening legal proceedings. Volz responded by denying any knowledge of the plagiarism, explaining that he solely writes lyrics to music provided by other members. He expressed remorse and offered compensation. Further scrutiny uncovered that multiple songs on the album allegedly incorporated material taken from various YouTube artists, including content acquired from metal YouTuber Riff Master T.
In October 2019, bassist Tommy Gibbons admitted culpability after an old social media post emerged in which he boasted about composing a song later identified as plagiarized. Gibbons accepted full responsibility and cleared other band members of involvement. Subsequently, Volz announced Gibbons’ exit from the band. By January 2020, Joshua Skellett and Ethan York joined as bassist and drummer respectively; Georges departed to concentrate on his MMA career.
In March 2021, Volz encountered significant criticism following repeated use of racial slurs during a live show, leading his record label to discontinue distribution of his solo projects and side endeavors.
By July 2024, Flaw revealed changes to their lineup: guitarist Chris Marple returned after an absence exceeding ten years; Chuck Wepfer (formerly of Blacktop Mojo) and Myke Akers (from Apex Aura) were added as well. However, in August 2024, Akers was dismissed for undisclosed reasons and scheduled performances were canceled. Later that month, Brian Carter (associated with DeadHorseTrauma & Scream at the Sky) was introduced as the new bassist.
On February 12, 2025, drummer James Kyle Adkins was removed following social media posts containing hateful remarks toward law enforcement. Kris Kohls of Adema was announced as a touring replacement while a permanent drummer would be selected for upcoming recordings and tours. Shortly thereafter, on February 24, 2025, Brian Carter declared his departure from Flaw.
Musical style and influences
Both Volz and Jurhs have identified Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Korn as key inspirations. Critics have observed that the album Through the Eyes reflects stylistic elements reminiscent of Tool. The band's musical approach is characterized as nu metal, alternative metal, and hard rock.
Members
- Current lineup
- Chris Volz – lead vocals (1996–2004, 2006–present)
- Chris Marple – guitar (2010–2012, 2024–present)
- Chuck Wepfer – guitar (2024–present)
- Stacey Brooks Muliford – bass (2025–present)
- Jason Proctor – drums (2025–present)
- Past members
- Jason Daunt – guitar (1996–2002, 2006–2008, 2013–2017)
- Ryan Jurhs – bass, backing vocals (1996–2004, 2008–2016)
- Ivan Arnold – drums (1996–1998)
- Lance Arny – guitar (1998–2004, 2006–2007, 2008–2014)
- Chris Ballinger – drums (1999–2003, 2006–2007, 2013–2014)
- Micah Havertape – drums (2003–2004)
- Alex Cando – bass (2006–2008)
- Andy Russ – guitar (2008–2010)
- Terry Harper – drums (2008–2009, 2012–2013)
- Dave Wathen – drums (1998–1999)
- Sean Rued – drums (2009–2012)
- Rich Brown – guitar (2014, 2017–2018)
- Corey Sturgill – drums (2015–2016)
- Jeff Dickie – bass (2016–2017)
- Skyler Martin – drums (2016–2017)
- Mike Mexas – bass (2017)
- Bill Edevane – bass (2017–2019)
- Tommy Gibbons – guitar (2016–2017, 2017–2019), bass (2017, 2019)
- Georges Octobous – drums (2017–2020)
- Ethan York – drums (2020–2021)
- Joshua Skellett – bass (2020–2024)
- Rob Buttorff – guitar (2018–2024)
- Myke Akers – bass (2024)
- James Kyle Adkins – drums (2021–2025)
- Brian Carter – bass (2024–2025)
- Former touring musicians
- Dan Johnson – drums (2017)
- Justin Joyce – bass (2018)
- Frank "Foot" Allen – drums (2021)
- Kris Kohls – drums (2025)
- Timeline
Studio albums
| Album details |
|---|
Through the Eyes
|
Endangered Species
|
Divided We Fall
|
Vol IV: Because of the Brave
|
Revival
|
Independent releases
- American Arrogance (1997)
- Flaw (1998)
- Home Grown Studio Sessions (2009)
EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Drama | Independently released |
| 2017 | United We Stand | Pavement Entertainment |
Singles
| Year | Title | U.S. Mainstream Rock | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | "Payback" | 33 | Through the Eyes |
| 2002 | "Whole" | 38 | |
| 2004 | "Recognize" | 25 | Endangered Species |
| 2015 | "Bleed Red" | — | Divided We Fall |
| 2016 | "Live and Breathe" | — | |
| 2018 | "Conquer This Climb" | — | Vol IV |
| 2019 | "Because of the Brave" | — |