World War III cover

World War III

Madina Lake · 2011

49 min · 14 tracks · post-hardcore

A frenetic blend of post-hardcore energy and pop sensibility that captures the chaos of modern life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hey Superstar — This track exemplifies the band's catchy hooks and energetic delivery, making it a standout single that encapsulates their stylistic evolution.
  • →
    They’re Coming for Me — The song's intense instrumentation and reflective lyrics address themes of paranoia and societal pressure, resonating deeply within the context of the album.
  • →
    Blood Red Flags — With its anthemic chorus and sharp lyrical content, this track serves as a rallying cry against disillusionment, showcasing the band's lyrical maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album balances frenetic energy with moments of melody, reflecting its themes but lacks standout tracks.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word sections that contrast with the intense instrumentation, creating a dynamic shift in energy.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
  • themes of conflict and resilience
  • for energetic road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, soundscapes
  • seek standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2011, 'World War III' is Madina Lake's third studio album, following their 2009 release 'Attics to Eden'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound within the post-hardcore genre while also exploring more mainstream influences.
Stylistic neighbors
The Used· Silverstein· Senses Fail

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Howdy Neighbor! 3:13
  • 2 Imagineer 3:56
  • 3 They’re Coming for Me 3:12
  • 4 Hey Superstar 3:09
  • 5 Fireworks 2:44
  • 6 Across 5 Oceans 3:27
  • 7 We Got This 3:04
  • 8 What It Is to Wonder 3:16
  • 9 Heroine 2:44
  • 10 Blood Red Flags 2:49
  • 11 Take Me or Leave 3:30
  • 12 The Great Divide 8:47
  • 13 Jimmy 3:19
  • 14 Goin’ Down High 2:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata