The key to "WWIII" is its diversity and incredible catchiness. Each of the 12 tracks is completely distinct from the other, with a tremendous range in styles. Some tracks are definitely more metal based while others swirl around electronic beats and synthetic tones. Vocal variation is also integral to this attraction...the electronically distorted vocals of band leader "Kap'N K" are gruff and gritty, while female singer Lucia Cifrelli has the voice of an angel. These two vocals approaches contrast with each other and occasionally even work in surprising harmony.

I'm hard pressed to recall any recent album, even amongst my other faves this year, where every song has melodies, hooks and riffs so memorable. They literally embed themselves in your brain...the mantra-like declarations of the title track, Lucia's seductive croonings on "Last Things", the angry chorus of "Bullets, Bombs, Bigotry" and the final hilarious proclamations of "Intro" are all unforgettable examples of catchy songwriting. Yet they never sink to the level of mainstream pop. The underlying aggression of the album is always present. Especially in the sarcastic, laugh-out-loud lyrics, which mercilessly lambaste the political stupidities and absurdities of the present regime of world leaders. This is a great record with wide appeal across many genre lines. As the band themselves say: "Nothing new/It's the same old s#$%/ When it works this well/Why f^&* with it?"

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2003 Year Book Volume 2 at https://garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2003-and-2004/.