Flaw is an American nu metal band from Louisville, Kentucky, formed by guitarist Jason Daunt in 1996. After a string of rough independent recordings in the 1990s, the band signed to Republic and Universal Music Group and released two major label albums, Through the Eyes in 2001 and Endangered Species in 2004. Breakups, line-up changes, and internal strife plagued the band for the rest of the decade, though from 2015 to 2017, the band reformed with three of their core members to tour and write music. The band released their third studio album, Divided We Fall, in 2016, and a fourth studio album, Vol IV: Because of the Brave in 2019. An album of cover songs, Revival, was later released in 2022. The band's lineup frequently shifts, with lead vocalist Chris Volz being the only constant member.

Flaw was formed in 1996 when lead vocalist Chris Volz answered an ad in a local paper placed by guitarist Jason Daunt, who was looking for a lead vocalist for his band. Volz met with Daunt shortly after, with Volz bringing a demo tape containing some examples of his recorded vocals. The meeting went well, with the two starting the writing process for Flaw material that night. They completed their first song, "Inner Strength", the next day.

The band's rhythm section progressed through several lineups but solidified with the addition of bassist Ryan Jurhs in 1997. That same year, the band recorded their first release, the independent American Arrogance. Because they were low on money, the band ordered everything they needed to record from the Musician's Friend catalog, then returned it using the 30-day return policy. Their album gave them the opportunity to open for acts including Fear Factory and Econoline Crush. A local radio station, The Fox, broadcast the songs from Flaw's indie disc, giving them further publicity. Two more independent releases, 1998's self-titled album Flaw and 2000's Drama EP, were later produced as well, while the band's first stable lineup, including Lance Arny as a second guitarist, and Chris Ballinger on drums, was established in 1999.

Flaw showcased at CBGB in New York City and were heard by Republic and Universal Music Group. Flaw signed to the label in 2000, and began recording their first studio album in early 2001 at Sound City with music producer David Bottrill. The finished product, Through the Eyes, released in October 2001. The album topped the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, and peaked at No. 119 on the Billboard 200 chart. In promotion of the album, the band released two singles, "Payback" and "Whole", and played the 2002 iteration of Ozzfest. Another track, "Only the Strong," was also featured on The Scorpion King soundtrack.

In 2004, Flaw returned to the studio to begin recording their second studio album, Endangered Species. The band had parted ways with Daunt and Ballinger and added a replacement drummer, Micah Havertape. The band stated that Daunt was fired due to "personal and creative differences", including issues with undisclosed physical violence. The band continued on as a four-piece, finding it easier to manage the band's internal issues and creative process with fewer members. The album, released in May 2004, debuted at No. 42 on the Billboard 200, selling 27,527 copies in its first week. The album spawned one single, "Recognize", which peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The band toured some in promotion of the album, though a later tour with Ill Niño and Drowning Pool was cancelled due to problems with the tour's promoters. Both albums were deemed commercial disappointments by their record label, Universal Music Group. Flaw was subsequently dropped from Universal in late 2004 and eventually broke up.

After the band broke up, the band members moved onto new projects. Most notably, Volz, formed Five.Bolt.Main with drummer Ivan Arnold, who was one of the rotating members during Flaw's early independent years. They signed with Rock Ridge Records and released a studio album Venting, in 2005, before breaking up. Flaw reformed again in late 2006, with core members Volz, Daunt, and Ballinger. The band played a reunion show in March 2007, playing a previously unreleased track entitled "Do You Remember", and toured through April of the same years with a lineup of Volz, Daunt, Arny, Ballinger, and new bassist Van Avery.

While the band initially had intentions on recording new material and releasing it, internal issues among members lead to many delays and hurdles. Progress slowed as Volz's focus turned to his solo work, recording and touring in support of his studio album Redemption across September and October 2007. Additional complications occurred by the start of 2008, with Volz and Daunt breaking off to form a new band called Foundation. The offshoot played a number of shows through 2008, but eventually returned to just performing as Flaw, as people became confused between the two considering the similar members and setlists. Still, the band continued to struggle with lineup changes, including short term stints with guitarist Nathan McDaniel, bassist Jimmie Stalings, and drummer Terry Harper.

By January 2009, the band had reconvened its efforts to record a new album and attract label support. While the band failed to find label support, in November 2009, they still released a third studio album, completely independently, titled Home Grown Studio Sessions. The lineup included Volz, Arny, Juhrs, and two more newcomers, Andy Russ on guitar and Sean Rued on drums. The band toured in support of the album through the rest of the year, though the album did not sell well, with even Arny conceding that "a lot of people don't know it's out yet" 9 months after its release. The band continued to tour into 2010, with Chris Marple filling in on bass and guitar as the band needed replacements to the lineup. The band played shows with Tantric, Burn Halo, and Adema in September 2010. However, by the end of the year, internal conflict had again led to the cancellation of shows and inactivity within the band.