30 Seconds to Mars: Full Speed Ahead
By:  Heather
October 2005
Kriselen
Credit: Aitana

30 Seconds To Mars: Full Speed Ahead There could not be a better symbol then the Phoenix Seal (meaning rebirth) that is tattooed on crazed fans and embossed on 30STM's site and gear to represent Part Two of the band's journey: 'A Beautiful Lie'.

Although Jared Leto may have caught the acting bug at one point and have been blessed with talent and movie star looks, pure rockstar runs through the very blood that he coughs up from his passionate performances. Jared, known from movies such as 'Alexander', 'Requiem of a Dream', and 'Fight Club', has made some sacrifices and put his acting not on the back burner, but just another burner while he follows his dream in music. After you hear his work, you will be following him!

What started out literally as a 'band of brothers', Jared and his older brother Shannon Leto (drummer), played gigs since they have been very young. In fact, their first self-titled CD was written and played by the two of them. This dynamic duo with looks to kill eventually evolved in to a quartet after the initiation of Matt Wachter (bassist) and Tomo Milicevic (guitarist).

With their new album, 'A Beautiful Lie', Jared's goal was to basically bury the band's first album, and with the resurrection of this 10-track CD, they have done just that. From being influenced by worldly things and writing in South Africa while Jared was on location for a movie, the band has pumped out an amazing piece of work!

There were over 40 songs written for this album, and finally the top 10 were agreed upon and the rest placed aside. These 10 songs are fascinating both musically and lyrically. From the metaphors, secrets, and symbols to the revelations, interpretations, and realizations, this album is without a doubt a story of an uphill battle that we each face. Inspired by the struggle we as humans possess inside, songs such as 'The Kill' are very relatable and easy to rock out to over and over again. I know, because I did it! Oddly enough, the song 'Attack' which made '#1 most added song in America' when it was first released, was not even meant to be on the album. It was through the work of their producer, Josh Abraham, that this quality piece stayed put-what an excellent choice!

Influenced by U2 and The Cure, this band is untouchable at the moment as they stand in their own category of rock. There is a hint of 80's music that used to make my stomach do tumblesalts, and it is garnished with a bit of progressive rock.

What this band is not, is a 'flash in the pan'! I think with this album, there is a new journey ahead of them. This music will not go unnoticed. Jared Leto will not be overlooked whether it be from fans who adore his on-screen work and want to peak inside his rockstar life or anyone who hears his astounding voice. This is true rock. The album will have you dig deep in to your soul for answers and you will keep it available to your person for reference at all times. Yes, it is THAT good! The music streaming from each band member is pure and on point. See for yourself!

Hold on for the ride as 30 Seconds to Mars may turn in to 5 Seconds to Mars as they skyrocket full speed ahead, because they truly are out of this world! And that is not 'a beautiful lie'