Search - Kmfdm :: WWIII (World War III)

KMFDM - now a heavy metal band?

Mike Peele | Baltimore, MD USA | 11/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Another fun-filled album from KMFDM! While the songwriting can be immature at times, the music is loud, fast, heavy, and hard-pounding. Not a single track on this album is boring. ALL of the songs are great, with the exception of "Revenge," which I thought to be simply "okay." I enjoy all of KMFDM's past releases, with the exception of "Attak," but I like the new heavy metal direction that the band is taking. Absolutely scrumptious and delightful!I'm honestly surprised that KMFDM can pull off such excellent music without En Esch & Guenter Schulz. This proves to me that while they added a nice touch, they weren't necessary catalysts for KMFDM. However, we DO have some great musicians from Pig, including our favorite Raymond Watts (I can't wait for his next release, "Pigmartyr") with his usual sick vocals, and Jules Hodgson with his superb guitar skillsIf the album had better lyrics, this WOULD earn five stars. That was the major weakness of the album. WWIII is very political, but the political ramblings are very immature and whiny. Which is a disappointment, considering that their political ramblings in past albums such as Angst were extremely thought-provoking and intelligent. That, and the subject matter on this album probably won't be relevant in 5 to 10 years, as it is mainly about George W. Bush and the war in Iraq.Nonetheless, this an incredible album that would easily blow a fuse in your speakers or headphones. Definitely the best album since Nihil! (my favorite KMFDM album.) Highly recommended."

A New, Never before heard KMFDM.

Forbes A Morrison JR | Australia | 09/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WWIII (World War 3) Brief Review
September 23 2003, By Forbes Morrison. WWIII, KMFDM's 2003 Album is not what fans would have expected or imagined. This is new, never before seen or heard KMFDM. The long running band (since 1984) have constantly lost and gained band members. Their last Album "Attak" Held the line up of Sascha Konietzko (KMFDM's ring leader), Lucia Cifarelli, Raymond Watts, Tim Skold, Bill Rieflin and Joolz Hodgeson. The Album had the guests Curt Golden and Arianne Schreiber.
Tim Skold is now with Marilyn Manson. In WWIII, KMFDM pretty much joined with PIG (Raymond Watt's project) which consists of Raymond, Joolz, Andy Selway and Steve White. Bill Rieflin will be involved also. KMFDM have been many places with their music, they have always maintained their strong Industrial power, while Incorporating Dance and Disco in Albums such as "Opium 1984" and "Symbols". Rock has always been incorporated into every KMFDM Album, but sometimes it stands out a lot more in Albums such as "XTORT". But with KMFDM's brand new release, Rock/Industrial seems to be the dominant musical taste. The album kicks off with It's titled track "WWIII", which of course doesn't sound anything like KMFDM at first. When I was listening to this track at first, I wasn't sure whether it was WWIII or not (I first heard it on the web). But It had a KMFDM feel to it, as odd it was. I continued to listen and then there was this huge explosion which shocked me, then, before I could snap to what just happened, Hard Guitars started pumping out an Incredible force of power, and this was the hardest, fastest KMFDM I had ever heard. Sascha is lead vocals on this track, while Lucia screams out every now and again. An excellent, awesome, Inspiring opening to the Album. A 10/10. The other songs on the Album are amazing also. There's some interesting sound effects in the song "Pity for the Pious", which of course when you hear it, you will wonder what sort of a live performance and Video Clip this song would make! A definate get for any KMFDM fan. This is KMFDM, but different, so be warned. One awesome KMFDM album!Overall I'd give it a 10/10 music wise, lyrics wise, I'd give it about a 7/10, only because I disagree with Swearing etc, but if that doesn't bother you, give it a 10/10!"

About the sound, and not the line up

S. Nix | Victoria, AUSTRALIA | 10/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"KMFDM is a band whose line up is rarely consistant from one album to the next. As such there is a tendency to focus on this or that member joining or leaving the band, and how that has made, or conversely ruined the most recent release.But let's talk about WWIII in terms of sound and atmosphere.The immediately noticable difference between WWIII and ATTAK is the band's rediscovery of that trademark humour we assumed had tapered off after 1996's XTORT. 'Intro' particularly, is the most shameless self-referential song KMFDM recorded since 'Inane'. It might seem odd that humour should resurface amongst such serious subject matter as globalisation and the War on Terror, but wry cynicism wrapped in a cohesive concept is more than welcome. ATTAK's major weakness was that while technically dazzling, it didn't have the feel of an album constructed from a core idea. It wasn't ABOUT anything particular. In WWIII, Sascha makes a b-line for the 'axis of morons', and it is effective. The title track itself is an act of defiance; Konietzko violently frothing war on everything, from corporate dotcoms to Britney Spears. You can just about read his mind; 'while we're declaring war on things, here's MY list'. If Bush can do it, it seems, KMFDM can do it too. With some very heavy guitar.The female vocals, care of Lucia, have improved and are best utilized in Last Things, and the backing in Stars & Stripes. Since working on her still yet to be released solo album, Lucia's singing has gained strength and lost that propensity for the interesting yet somewhat excessive falsetto and vocal acrobatics of her earlier Drill work (such as 'What You Are').And what can be said about Raymond Watts's contribution to WWIII other than 'how can he DO that?'. Songs like Blackball give the impression that Pig has been holding out on us, and yet, it is possible Watts may have shot himself in the foot. Nonetheless, the studio sound is positively mindblowing, and should it be one third as compelling live, no fan will be disappointed. Once again, Raymond pulls his weight and then some.Relative newcomers Steve and Joolz provide some very mean guitar throughout, and Andy's live drum over drum loops gives WWIII a kind of menace not heard from the band since ANGST.The album is definitely not a retread of old turf, but there is a wealth of long dormant KMFDM that has been revived and assimilated into the more hi-tech noise of the Skold era. The result is hard to dislike."