Customer Reviews

Endangered Species

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

There are few rock albums that can attract my attention in this day and age when it seems it's all been said and done before. However, Flaw's album Endangered Species captivated me from the first listen and quickly pulled me in. This album is simply astounding from vocal, lyrical, and musical standpoints.

At various times throughout this album, Flaw can seem akin to Phil Collins, U2, Staind, and even Disturbed, indeed spanning the gamut of the rock and metal genres. Though most of this album tends to be fairly mellow and slow-paced, songs like "Medicate" and "You've Changed" remind us that Flaw hasn't forgotten how to rock hard with the best of them. Chris Volz's vocal range is amazing, going seamlessly from hard-hitting, growling vocals to emotional and heartfelt soothing vocals within the span of a single song.

Furthermore, this album carries with it an important message about the state of human beings as individuals and the world in which they live. The lyrics on this album are great!

Here are some highlights on this album:

Track 1 - "Medicate" - Catchy, crunching guitars and great complementary lyrics. A great way to kick off the album. The harmony is a cool effect on this one too.

Track 2 - "Endangered Species" - Probably my favorite track on the CD. I love the lyrics on this one, with their prevailing message of uncertainty for our future. The piano is a great addition to the musical repertoire, and adds musical depth to an already great song.

Track 3 - "Recognize" - Outstanding lyrics and great backing vocals, in addition to musical depth. An all-around great song.

Track 8 - "Turn the Tables" - Somewhat cliched lyrics, but one of my favorites nonetheless. A great bridge and great guitars.

Track 9 - "World's Divide" - One of the more mellow songs on this CD, but has a great chorus and, again, great lyrics.

Endangered Species has served as a great introduction to Flaw, and will not be the last CD I pick up by them. Don't let the "nu-metal" label scare you away from checking out this incredibly awesome, versatile, and talented group, because they are definitely atypical for the genre. Buy it now!

Ok there are some people saying that flaw let it all go and screwed up on their second album. These people are losers and should be kicked in the head with a steel boot. their first CD i loved from front to back. I especially liked the soft songs. Then their second one came out and i couldnt believe what i heard. they are true artists. They made a very emotional and moody album and pulled it off so well it makes me wonder. Ever song of flaws i love. that is a very rare thing these days. and to those who dont like flaw and their new stuff, sit on the side lines so the metal heads dont trample you. i'm done.

I picked this album up after hearing the title track from one of my friends. Beforehand, I had heard several of the songs from "Through The Eyes," but something about Endangered Species told me to get this CD, and it was right. Though not as heavy and angry as Through The Eyes, it holds its' own range of emotions. Chris Volz on the vocals is simply amazing, and has a range that covers everything from soft, longing tones (Wait For Me) to angry, alienated screaming (You've Changed) with great effect in all areas. This would definately be a good album to introduce somebody into the world of rock and metal. My personal favorite song on here is "Worlds Divide." It starts off slow and mellow, but rises into an epic chorus that'll keep your attention. In fact, all of the chorus's on this CD manage to grab you and suck you in to the music. Alas, not very many people know about this band, and its a shame too, since they broke up earlier this year, but apparently Chris Volz and some previous members of Flaw are regrouping and forming a new band called "Five.Bolt.Main" Keep your eyes open for them, but until then, Endangered Species and Through The Eyes are both great listens and never get old.

okay, first of all, this band is great for any metal fans, its simply great, and I wouldnt be surprised if you start hearing some songs on the radio. okay heres a breakdown of the songs:

1. Medicate - 10/10 - i just love this song, a REALLY great intro to the new cd, and all the lyrics fit perfectly in with the instrumentals. Note- it is quite hard, so some may not like this song.
2. Endangered Species - 9/10 - the unique voice in this song makes it stand out among the other tracks, and does quite a good job. also the light piano in the background adds great rythem.
3. Recognize - 9/10 - my favorite of the slower songs on the cd, and the lyrics are very meaningful and the chorus almost moves you.
4. Wait for Me - 7/10 - In my mind i think it was a bad idea for Flaw to put two slow songs right after eachother, which kinda takes away the effect of slow songs on a faster cd. a better place for the song could be near the end, but other than that, a pretty good song, but doesn't give that extra bump to make it stand out more.
5. Many Faces - 8/10 - The song that got my attention to this cd, but what I found was that to some people, they didn't know when the chorus started or ended after a couple times listening to it, which created some problems. But other than that a really good song with strong vocals.
6. All the Worst - 7/10 - Good intro to the song with the guitar, and the chorus is quite catchy and sticks in your head. But personally i'd rather have a different song stuck in my head because the song just doesn't cut it for me.
7. You've Changed - 9/10 - I just love this song, it's one of the more harder tracks on the cd, and stands out. Possibly a little bit of an emotional song for the band if you read the lyrics.
8. Turn the Tables - 9/10 - Most people don't like this song very much, but I find it simply great. Almost everything about the song seems to work for me.
9. Worlds Divide - 10/10 - A fairly slow song, and does a really great job. It starts out quite slowly, but the chorus really picks up the speed, and worked very effectively for me.
10. Decide - 10/10 - An emotional song with superb lyrics and a really great chorus that takes some time to understand fully, but gives a great meaning.
11. Final Cry - 10/10 - One of my favorites on the album. This song is one of those you shouldnt skip, it really adds something to the entire cd to give it more depth.
12. Not Enough - 10/10 - Here it is, the last song on the cd, and Flaw does an exceptional job on finishing off a great album with a very great track. Easily my favorite song, I just love every part of it, and it was smart to put two very good songs on both ends of the cd. The meaning to the song is very strong, and the very end of it does a really good job closing the cd.

Well, there you have it, my breakdown of the songs on Flaw's "Endangered Species." If your like any hardish bands, be sure to check this out or you'll be missing something VERY big.

This is an amazing cd, and contrary to reviews I've previously read, I fell in love with it right away.
Medicate (8/10)- I love the panned guitars in the intro, and the rest of the song just hits hard
Endangered Species (8/10)- has a really great groove, awesome guitar riff in the intro. I also really like the piano in the second verse.
Recognize (10/10)- This song really does something for me. I just love the emotional heaviness of the song
Wait for Me (8/10)- It's really nice to hear Flaw do an acoustic song. They do it well. Chris Volz's vocals are impressive on this track
Many Faces (7/10)- I really like the intro on this song, but the rest of the song, while good, is not my favorite.
All the Worst (7/10)- Really interesting song. The bass line is killer, and it has a good chorus. The vocal harmonies are really well done as well.
You've Changed (9/10)- I love the vocals right at the beginning of the song... very cool. It's just an all out great song to scream along to in the car. The vocals in the verses are by far my favorite aspect of the song
Turn the Tables (6/10)- not the best song, though the bridge is pretty good. I just have trouble getting into this song as much as some of the others. The guitars have some pretty good runs, and the outro vocal run is pretty nice
World's Divide (10/10)- everything is spot on in this song. Every instrument sparkles during the verse. The prechorus is really great, with the guitars now strumming, rather than picking and volume swelling. The vocals through out are great. The bridge is quite touching. The sincerity in Chris' voice is moving.
Decide (10/10) This is easily my favorite song. It has just such a raw power. The emotion in Chris' vocals during the choruses, particularly the last chourus, is just flooring. I have to hear this song several times a day, no joke.
Final Cry (6/10)- This is probably my least favorite song. Its choruses are just odd for such a song as this. It's still a good song, but it's not the best. I do, however, really love the very end of the song, where it just drops in intensity and ends on such a soft note. That was a great move for that song.
Not Enough (10/10)- This song is a very close second to Decide. The song is just so full of feeling that it is likely to move even the coldest hearts. The piano and vocal ending at the end is fantastic.

Summary- This cd is amazing. Chris Volz has an incredible stylistic range, and he proves that through and through on this cd. As well, Ryan Jurhs, Micah Havertape, and Lance Arny compose a very formidable rhythm section. It was nice to hear Arny put in more lead-oriented parts, rather than all rhythms. Micah fits in nicely with the band, filling in the gap left by Chris Ballinger beyond expectations, while still bringing something new to the sound of Flaw. Ryan Jurhs continues to impress with his bass figures.

Overall..........GO GET THIS CD!!!!

You just had to expect that Endangered Species would kick ass, and it does. It's definitely softer than Through The Eyes, but that's not a bad thing. Chris Volz sings much more than he screams here, but since he's got an amazing voice it works perfectly. The songs are just as emotional, melodic, and maybe even a little bit more focused than they were on TTE.

Some highlights: It kicks off with "Medicate", one of the 3 heaviest songs on here. It's a great song, very focused and well-written. "Endangered Species" is next, and is a good intense song. The piano in the 2nd verse is a nice touch, cause it stands out. "Recognize" is the 3rd track, and it's a bit softer, yet still gets the job done. The bridge is great here. Lyrics and melody are very nice on this song; good choice for a single. "Wait For Me" is next. Now this is definitely much softer than anything Flaw had previously written, I personally don't like the song all that much; maybe it'll grow on me, but I don't know. It's good to see them take a different direction though, much better than having 12 songs that all sound the same. "Many Faces" and "Turn The Tables" are good solid songs, focused and well-written, though nothing in particular strikes me about them. "You've Changed" is one of my favorites, and the 2nd of the 3 heaviest songs. Easily one of the best on here, the scream in the intro is just awesome. It's one of the best songs to drive to.
"World's Divide" is another slower song. But this song is awesome. It's got good lyrics and music, and a great vocal performance from Volz. I'd like to see this released as a single, because its got a lot of energy, and it's one of the best on here too. "Decide" is another great emotional song. "Final Cry" is the 3rd heavy song on here, also one of my favorites. "Not Enough" is a great closer, it's a good solid song, and when it fades to just piano and vocals at the end, it's awesome. It proves that Chris Volz could do smooth jazz and make it kick ass if he tried.

In conclusion, this CD isn't as good as TTE, but not much would be. It's hard to follow up on something that's that amazing, and Flaw did quite well here. No song on this album stands out in particular like "My Letter" did on TTE; but that song would stand out on anything. Instead, this is a really solid, focused album. Well-written, well-played, heavy, melodic, there's not much else you can ask for. Good job Flaw. 9/10.

all you people pissin and whinin about how they lost their heaviness f*%$! you they have not lost it they've just added more melody to their music i will review each song now
Medicate- 10/10- great song heavier flaw awesome chorus good riffs
Endagered Species- 10/10- love the guitars and drums in the intro love the song
Recognize-10/10 first single, great song, better get some airplay
Wait For Me-10/10 acoustic and they pulled it off great song nice chorus
Many Faces- 8/10- never really got into this one, softer chorus, i love the end when chris starts singin " too deep to come out okay"
All the Worst- 8/10- never got into this one either, fairly heavy nice chorus
You've Changed- 10/10- heavier flaw, like "through the eyes" screaming nice guitar, nothing like a 7 string guitar
Turn the Tables- 8/10- its too damn short its great while its playing but i wish it was longer
Worlds Divide-20/10 BEST song flaw has ever written you cant question it, great chorus, great bridge, the end where volz sings " take this hope it makes you strong" gives me chills
Decide- 10/10- love the chorus, love the end, love the song
Final Cry- 9/10- dont really like the chorus songs good though
Not Enough- 10/10- lighter song which makes me wonder if its on a 6 string guitar instead of 7 i love the chorus the end with the piano gives me chills

(...)

I've never been a big fan of nu-metal, in fact, I despise most of it. However, this Flaw album caught me, and hasn't let go.

I wasn't particullarly impressed with their debut album, the only songs that really caught me were "Get Up Again", "Reliance" and "What I Have to Do". This album has about the same amount of bad songs, in my opinion, as the first one had good songs. Flaw has definately matured with this release, musically and lyrically.

Starting off with "Medicate," the album slaps you in the face with a hard, melodic sound, and doesn't let up until "Wait for Me," which is fairly boring. "Many Faces" comes across as somewhat generic, although Volz's vocals are decent. For some reason, the chorus just annoys me.

Luckily, this leads up to what I feel is one of the top three songs on this album, "All The Worst." The lyrics are haunting, and the song has a bottled-up sound, up until the bridge, which goes all-out.

"You've Changed" is possibly the worst song on the album. I've skipped it every time after the first two or three listenings. "Turn The Tables" follows it up with a little improvement, and if there was a little more intensity, it would be a really good song.

"Worlds Divide" is one of those songs that just sends a shiver up your spine, going from a light verse and building up to a crushing chorus. Another one of my top three for the album.

"Decide" keeps the album going along, but "Final Cry" could've been left out, and you wouldn't notice it. In fact, I think it's kind of clumsy where it is, it interrupts the flow, and isn't a good lead-in to the final song.

"Not Enough" is another one that sends chills. Volz's lrics are good, and his voice fits with the instruments so well on this song. The music isn't that heavy, but you add the vocals to it, and it gains an edge that's sharp. The piano outro just puts a cap on it.

Overall, I'm surprisingly happy with this CD... I say surprisingly, as I was expecting the usual nu-metal crap, but instead, I got a well-crafted, melodic, mature, and musically sound album. Don't expect to jump around or bang your head to this... but then again, you shouldn't be headbanging or moshing to any nu-metal. However, if this is the direction nu-metal is headed, the genre may gain one more fan.

This is a good album. The vocals are awesome. I have been waiting a while for this. It is well worth the money. This is better then there last one. Go buy it right away.

OK- Somehow people that have been reviewing this album have a twisted view on music, being this - "If the singer is not screaming throughout the entire course of the album like he is passing a kidney stone the size of a lemon, then I automatically do not like this, because it is weak and lacks edge." I understand that people have their own opinion on an album, but I do not agree you should chop down a band on then sole fact that the singer is not screaming bloody murder. Chris Volz has one of the best voices in music today, and he really showcases that on this album - moreso than "Through the Eyes". Instead of cruising through these tracks to see whether there is vocal chord shredding going on, maybe you should kick back and listen to what is coming out of your speakers on a musical level. Anyway, here is a track by track.
1) Medicate - great song, great guitars, heavy, great layering of aggressive vocals and clean ones. 8/10
2) Endangered Species - A personal favorite. Great lyrics, great melody, etc. 9/10
3) Recognize - First time I heard this tune, I got goosebumps. What a chorus. And great guitars. Midtempo, like My Letter. 10/10
4)Wait for Me - This song has taken a lot of crap from neighsaying Bleeding Fetus fans, but this is such a great step for the band. Heartfelt lyrics, unbelievable melodies from Chris...amazing ballad. 10/10
5) Many Faces - Again, vocalist Volz really shines here. Melodic, melodic, melodic. The bridge is amazing. Definitely one of the stronger songs here. 10/10
6)All the Worst - Love the bass line intro (by the way, JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR BASS GUITAR DOESNT MEAN IT IS EXACTLY LIKE TOOL) Mid-tempo, great verses - the chorus may be a bit bland - but a great song all around. 8/10
7)You've Changed - Personally, as heavy as any of their previous works. If that is what matters. Very versatile song, angry, pleasing to the ears. Great live as well. 8/10
8)Turn the Tables - One of the weaker songs on the album for me. Nice guitar lines, nice hook, but lacks something to push the track to the next level. 7/10
9)World's Divide - Powerful fu%#*g track. Positive lyrically, great music complements the words. Epic, just epic. 10/10
10)Decide - This song had me torn until the end came - orchestra kicked in, and Volz sings his heart out on the outro. Great chorus also, great hook. 10/10
11)Final Cry - This song grew on me - flows very nice, kind of like a slower version of Medicate. Very melodic once again. 8/10
12)Not Enough - Best song Flaw has written...PERIOD. This song hit me harder than any other song on the first listen. The piano -laden ending gave me the chills. Unbelievable. 11/10

But hey, without heavier vocals, this CD is a weak piece of junk. Perhaps most people would have preferred they put out Through the Eyes AGAIN...with a different name and cover art. Whatever. Shut up and go buy it.