Listen up: 30 Seconds to Mars - Jared Leto makes successful leap from actor to musician
By: Howie Rosell
September 15, 2005
The Pendulum Online
Credit: Aitana

I was very surprised when I listened to this album. I thought it would be just another lame rock band due to the actor factor (i.e. Jared Leto), but upon hearing the first track “Attack” I was drawn in. Throughout the album there are some really cool keyboard effects and guitar distortions that add to its atmosphere. Another thing that I was really surprised about was how well Jared can sing. He has the perfect voice to front a rock band and can really wail.

One thing that I was rather disappointed with was the regurgitated song structures. There were essentially two frameworks to a song: soft, melodic and slow, and a slower verse with a rockin’ chorus and wailing vocals. This is unfortunate because the songs are all well constructed and sound excellent, but there is little structural diversity between them. Also, the lyrics are quite shallow. Despite the lack of lyrical depth, the vocals flow very well and the melodies (though overused) are excellent as well.

There are also not one, but two bonus tracks (super yay!) on this album. The first, entitled “The Battle Of One” is a fast-paced rockin’ track that (thankfully) differs from most of the heavier tracks on the album. The second, “Hunter”, is a softer track that sounds like it came from Halo 2. Being a fan of Halo 2, this is definitely a good way to end the disc.

All in all, this is a good disc with excellent production, but is lacking in the depth department.