Album Review: 30 Seconds to Mars This is War

"A warning
to the people
to the good,
and the evil
this is war."
-- "This is War," 30 Seconds to Mars, This is War(2009)

 Overall: This album is full of anthems, attesting to beliefs in the face of cynicism and rising from the ashes of one's own past. In addition to the fearsome pieces that stand alone nicely, this album is cohesive thematically, which is rare in the modern era. It tells a story, two stories if you look at the metaphoric angle. This is War, seems to be the spiritual sequel to Beautiful Lie (2001). Where Beautiful Lie was about the destruction of a relationship, and by proximity, a life, and the despair that comes with that, This is War delves into alternately reminiscence, and fighting back against the ravages of despair to emerge triumphant.
This album also takes a darker, more sexual turn than the previous two albums. "Night of the Hunter," and "Stranger in a Strange Land" particularly exude an animalistic darkness not found in other albums of theirs.

However, there are a few tracks that detract from an otherwise nearly flawless album, these tracks range from dissonant, to simply whining.

Track Highlights:


Kings and Queens: This was the single from This is War and rightly so. It stands on its own as a nostalgic, bittersweet number. Unlike many songs that look back on past relationships, this one reminisces completely without regret In fact, the lyrics speak of forging oneself from "blood and pain, in defense of our dreams." Layered over these lyrics, is front man Jered Leto's powerful voice and wonderfully coordinated music.

This is War(linked above): on my first listen through of this album, I considered this the summery track of the album. While I'm not sold on the audience tracks, the beginning of this song builds quite nicely into the chorus both in volume and tone. Leto has excellent vocal control and modulates its volume from husky whisper to bold (though still on key) shout. The lyrics tell the listener that on no uncertain terms they will never give up. Tenacity bleeds from both the music and the lyrics of this number.


Alibi- One of two very powerful, simple numbers on the album. While the majority of 30 Seconds to Mars' song have complex layering, this song and 100 suns both are very simple. I find that simpler songs tend to show what an artist's voice can truely do. Striping down to just a simple guitar line and some drums, this song becomes an inspiring lullaby. The lyrics are equally simple, evoking a sense of reconciliation with ones past and the ability to finally get back up again. Yet there is also a touch of concession, as though the battle will be missed. I would have welcomed this as an end track.


Stranger in A Strange Land(also linked above): Worth pointing out because I don't think I’ve heard a curse word beyond "damn" on any other album of theirs. While this alone is not reason to notice a song, I find when an artist uses infrequent, but very deliberately placed curse words the effect can be astounding. As mentioned in previous reviews, Leto is a very precise, articulate artist, his use of a singular curse evokes a precise message.


There were also a few songs that did not work for me quite as well, partly because the rest of the album was that much better, and partly because the songs, for whatever reason didn't meet the standards set by their other albums.

Hurricane-- While conceptually nice, I found that this track lagged in places and felt longer than it should have been. Very reminiscent of “The Story,” but it comes off a little whiny. Bleak, but nothing new for 30 Seconds To Mars.


L 490--the beginning is actually painful on the ears. While I'm all for innovative instrumental tracks, this one is out of place both thematically and rhythmically on the album. To say nothing of the fact that it is a dissonant piece which falls far, far short of the rest of the album.


Overall rating: 3.5/5