The Louisville, Kentucky hip-core band, Flaw has created an ambient sound with a twist of Hardcore and Industrial. The lyrics from their 13-track debut album, Through The Eyes, are memorable, the kind to which almost everyone can relate. In fact, the band’s ominous and baneful current single, “Whole” explains the suicide of Chris Volz’s (vocals) adopted mother. When he was only twelve years old, she took her life, leaving him alone and hurt. Most of his lyrics are derived from his personal experiences, and convey a theme of renewal and introspection.

The one song that genuinely caught my attention is “Only The Strong,” which is the first track on the record. It relates to the rough and tough times that everyone, especially the band, has been through and overcome. It’s titled “Only The Strong” because the message being displayed is that a lot of bad things happen, but only the strong will survive and overcome them. All the songs seem to have some sort of a personal and influential spin to them, be it from one or all members of the band.

Their music is full of intensity. Songs build up and rise in the beginning, and then it just breaks down with the soft whispers of vocalist Chris Volz, and the ambient, moody rumbling of the 5-string bass played by Ryan Juhrs, accompanied with the keyboard, played by Jason Daunt, who also plays guitar for the band. The rest of the hardcore sound comes from the guitarist, Lance Arny, and the drummer, Chris Ballinger.

You can check out their CD in any store and online at WWW.FLAW.COM. They’re on Republic/Universal Records along with Godsmack, Lifer, and Rammstien. Flaw has three other CDs, including an EP.