A stellar sophomore album from 30 Seconds to Mars
By Amy Voluckas. Staff Writer
September 02, 2005
The Bucknellian
Credit: Aitana

Three years after its debut, rumblings come once again from 30 Seconds to Mars. After its self-titled release was largely ignored during the summer of 2002, the band has cultivated a strong following of fans on the Internet.

The album "A Beautiful Lie" has already garnered praise in Alternative Press and Jane magazines. The band is poised to catapult into the mainstream market. After going through a number of changes in its lineup, 30 Seconds to Mars has settled into its current four-member makeup.

Actor Jared Leto, best known for his role in the television program "My So-Called Life," is on lead vocals and guitar. The band also includes his brother, Shannon, on drums. Finishing out the line-up are Matt Wachter on bass and Tomo Milicevic on guitar.

Fresh off of a summer tour with Chevelle and TapRoot, and currently on tour with The Used, 30 Seconds to Mars has cultivated a style of alternative rock completely its own. The extravagant showmanship of 30 Seconds to Mars allows fans to engage not only with each other, but with the band as well. Regardless of the size of the venue, the audience is fully connected in a manner that is usually only present in large arena settings.

Its sophomore album, "A Beautiful Lie," features 10 songs, as well as two additional bonus tracks. Opening with the heavily synthesized and driven "Attack," the band sets the stage for an album full of strong vocals, intelligent lyrics andengaging rhythms.

Where the first album failed, "A Beautiful Lie" succeeds. The tracks "The Fantasy" and "A Beautiful Lie" tell the tale of an individual attempting to make it through his life while wracked with insecurities. He copes by ignoring the problem or claiming life is a game.

This theme is present through the rest of the album, accompanied by a growing sense of self-acceptance, as heard in the song "The Kill": "I tried to be someone else/But nothing seemed to change/I know now, this is who I really am inside."

Switching to a number of slower and more introspective songs, the end of the album takes on a more mature sound. Both "The Story" and "A Modern Myth" are smooth and satisfying, where Leto’s voice is showcased instead of the powerful guitar and drum beats.

The one song where the album fails to shine is "R-Evolve." The listener is unable to move past its similarity to Blink-182’s "Adam’s Song," and the track fails.

Overall the album is worth a listen. 30 Seconds to Mars has escaped the curse that has plagued other actor-related bands, and presents an amazing effort.