These days it seems like every decent metal album is subsequently followed up by an album with a more “melodic” approach. On their 2001 major label debut album, Through the Eyes, Flaw, a five-piece band from Louisville, Kentucky, gave hope to metal fans everywhere that thought there were no original thoughts or ideas left in the world of heavy metal. Using aggressiveness combined with deep cutting lyrics and great hooks, Flaw proved themselves to be a cut above the glut of nu-metal bands being signed by the hundreds in the late 1990s and early 2000.

On their second album, Endangered Species, Flaw return as a quartet, and also have enlisted a new drummer. It appears that not only did they lose a few members in the three years between albums, but they lost their direction as well. By turning down the guitars and presenting more radio-friendly ballads and mid-tempo rockers, Flaw miss their chance to further distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack of wannabee MTV heroes. With the exception of “You’ve Changed,” a hard-hitting song about a relationship that has grown apart, and the opening song “Medicate,” there is little to be excited about from this album. Though most of the songs on this album are not bad, they are definitely not breaking new ground. Fans of bands like Linkin Park and Staind will probably find enough catchy hooks and angst on this album to satisfy their needs. However, if you were a fan of the previous album, save your money, and the disappointment.

Copyright 2005 Ad Media Inc.