Released: Dec 4, 2009
Genre: Rock
Label: Virgin, EMI
Number Of Tracks: 12
This Is War at times does stray from the expected format from 30 Seconds To Mars, but it still is a bit overdramatic at times.
This Is WarFeatured review by: UG Team, on december 08, 2009 5 of 10 people found this review helpful
Sound: In the time since the release of 2005’s The Beautiful Lie, 30 Seconds To Mars has experienced some less-than-ideal issues with the record label Virgin/EMI. The company actually sued the band for $30 million over contractual issues, but apparently no bridges were burnt because the trio just released This Is War on the same label. Did that shakeup have a negative effect on the band’s music? Not necessarily, but vocalist Jared Leto, drummer Shannon Leto, and guitarist Tomo Milièeviæ seem to have more of a fondness for a synth-driven sound than ever before. There are still big choruses fueled by power chords, but 30 Seconds To Mars are also not afraid to utilize the auto-tuning maestro, Kanye West.
Leto obviously still enjoys drama, and in a way that does set a distinct mood for This Is War. Rather than starting things off with a big, catchy song worth of Top 40, the band opts for a dramatic, haunting, and quiet interlude “Escape.” That particular track is rather brief, and not soon after “Night of the Hunter” pops up and features 30 Seconds To Mars’ trademark monster choruses that allow Leto to belt his heart out. Quite a few songs follow a similar format of building up to a big finish, and it certainly works in this scenario.
Things get a little odd in “Hurricane,” however. A collaboration with The Killers’Brandon Flowers and Kanye West, the song begins like your usual 30 Seconds To Mars material, only to be interrupted by West’s auto-tuned vocals. If you’re a fan of the T-Pain craze, it probably won’t offend your sensibilities too much. But when you look at the song as a whole, the auto-tuning aspect makes little sense – except to hop on the trendy bandwagon. It’s not to say that 30 Seconds To Mars shouldn’t broach the pop genre because the final track, essentially a club version of “Night of the Hunter,” is one of the best moments on the entire CD.
This Is War has some interesting elements, particularly the fact that more often than not, the backing vocals are supplied by fans. You can actually hear parts that sound exactly what you’d expect at a concert sing-along – complete with giggling girls at the end. While it’s cool on 30 Seconds To Mars’ part to include their fans in more of the recording/songwriting process, the huge group backing vocals also tend to grate on your nerves after the fifth time or so. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Leto walks a fine line between being incredibly deep and overly philosophical. There are some heavy lyrics within This Is War, and you have to give the band credit for at least raising a few eyebrows. At times there seems to be a war with spirituality with lyrics like, “No matter how many lies I live, I will never regret; There’s a fire inside of this heart, about to explode into flames; Where is you God?” (“Hurricane”). In “Night of the Hunter” the themes are a bit more cryptic, but still mystical in nature (“I was born of the womb of a poisonous spell; Beaten and broken and chased from the lair”). Leto may be laying it on a bit thick, but he is also reaching beyond the typical lyrical content you might be used to hearing. // 8
Impression: The rock aspect of 30 Seconds To Mars has taken more of a backseat to the pop/emo side, but in many ways that transition feels more fitting of the trio. A good deal of delivery is over the top, and maybe that’s to be expected from Leto, who still acts fairly regularly. In the end, there is plenty of thinking outside of the box with song arrangement, but everything is so dramatic that ironically it’s hard to take This Is War completely seriously. // 7
This Is War
Reviewed by:
sweetpeasuzie, on december 08, 2009 7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Sound: Modern rockers 30 Seconds To Mars never stop stirring up emotions, and their latest recording This Is War from Virgin Records pushes all the right buttons in the listener’s motor cortex. The rock trio’s arsenal of prog rock stimulants and symphonic metal boosters spurs their album into a heated run with the arpeggiated vibrations of “Night Of The Hunter” followed by the eruptions of charging choruses in “Vox Populi” (Voice of the Population) and the voluminous orchestral sails of “Stranger In A Strange Land.” Granted the tracks are overly produced, but that has become the band’s trademark and what the public expects from them so why knock 30 Seconds To Mars for making songs that they like performing, and are a genuine expression of themselves? You know this Is true because the only music that is comparable 30 Seconds To Mars is their own.
Lead singer/guitarist Jared Leto drives his vocals into the songs with the force of meat-hooks as he and guitarist Tomo Milicevic produce choppy riffs that cleat mountainous blazes through the chord dynamics held together by the hyper-pounding of Leto’s brother Shannon on the drums. Their album stokes a recurring theme in the lyrics unveiling human flaws as the band builds up the tracks to a big, overwhelming sound with the exception of the finale “L490” which wilts into liquidity electro-pop waterfalls. The title track lets Jared and Milicevic rip into the chorus parts with a chain-mail of guitar shreds as Shannon’s drum strikes cleave into the melodic hooks. The intensity of the music is persuasive in drawing audiences to join the band’s cause like in “Closer To The Edge“ as Jared’s vocals tear through the whipping slashes engraved by the guitar chords when he recites, “This never-ending story / Paid for with pride and faith / We all fall short of glory / Lost in the sun.” Keeping the album’s temper pounding hard, the dramatic tones pulsating in the piano motifs opening “Hurricane” are moving as the orchestral swirls of that angelic strings halo the piece with Jared’s vocals nailing the lyrics into the melody. The music re-enforces those emotions that surface when feeling battle-enraged and threatened by opposing forces. The album does not lead to a peaceful resolution but rather provides an outlet for feelings that go oppressed and refuse to remain hidden. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are driven by an honesty to bare feelings that are not so pleasant to admit like in “100 Suns” as Jared Leto reflects, “I believe in nothing / Not the end and not the start / I believe in nothing / Not the earth and not the stars / I believe in nothing / Not the day or not the dark / I believe in nothing / But the beating of our hearts / I believe in nothing / 100 suns until we part / I believe in nothing / Not in sin and not in God / I believe in nothing / Not in peace and not in war / I believe in nothing / But the truth in who we are.”
Some songs seem influenced by the present situation of inner turmoil which is keeping nations warring with each other like in the title track as Jared expresses, “A warning, to the people / The good and the evil / This is war / To the soldier, the civilian the martyr, the victim / This is war / It's the moment of truth / And the moment to lie / And the moment to live / And the moment to die / The moment to fight / The moment to fight / To fight, to fight / TO FIGHT… To the right, to the left / We will fight, to the death / To the edge of the earth / It's a brave new world / From the last to the first… To the leader, the pariah / The victim, the messiah / This is war.” Through the dark, Gothic sandstorms comes a ray of hope in “Kings And Queens” as Leto projects, “Into the night / Desperate and broken / The sound of a fight / Father has spoken / We were the kings and queens of promise / We were the victims of ourselves / Maybe the children of a lesser God / Between Heaven and Hell… The age of man is over / The darkness comes over all / These lessons that we’ve learned here / Have only just begun.” // 8
Impression: This Is War is 30 Seconds To Mars’ third full-length album following their self-titled disc in 2002 and their sophomore release A Beautiful Lie in 2005. Using a combination of art-rock, power punk, symphonic metal, and orchestral tones, 30 Seconds To Mars is a viable proponent of modern rock and a major driving force in keeping the genre evolving. Though the tracks are overly produced in their amplified version, the band’s material has merit, and every song can be imagined in an acoustic form. The band’s progressive tendencies affect the songs in a positive way, and influence the mechanics of the tracks to follow contemporary models. 30 Seconds To Mars will excite fans once again, and This Is War is the right vehicle for them to re-assert themselves in modern rock circles. // 9
This Is War
Reviewed by:
zephyrusrain, on december 09, 2009 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: This album was rather intriguing in terms of sound. A lot of experimentation, especially with electronic sounds. At times, songs had a Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, U2-esque sound to it. Delays, reverbs, synth, "notes being expensive" as The Edge would say, and etc. The Summit (the choir of fans in some of the songs) was an interesting addition, both in a good and bad way. Sometimes it made a song sounded cliche, sometimes it was good addition to a song which added emphasis to a certain part of the song. Overall, I suppose Jared Leto (lead singer of 30STM) loved the idea of having fans being part of the album, literally. "Hurricane" had potential to "blend" well but Kanye's "contribution" to the song was rather disastrous. The song was a ballad and Kanye West tried to make it upbeat. Result, a song which could have been beautiful. To conclude, it may not be as heavy or as guitar-driven as the previous albums. But who says it's wrong with trying and fooling around with new sounds? It's music. It's art. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Most of the songs had an overall theme intertwining them together in the album, mostly emphasis on monotheism, war, self-discovery and the occasional life-related issues. But that of course, is if the lyrics are literally understood and interpreted. Knowing 30STM as a band which takes into account fantasies and out-of-this-world ideas, the lyrics could be interpreted in another way. "Kings & Queens" to some "professional" reviewers as an apocalyptic song which is rather hilarious to me, as I do not see how it could be related to any form of disaster whatsoever, aside from "the age of man is over". The overall sound of the song itself was "hopeful", with a sense of self-discovery, "Provehito in Altum" as their motto goes. But that's just my opinion. At times, I felt that there was overemphasis by the repetition of lyrics. Jared Leto's vocal capabilities have always impressed me and it still does not fail to impress me in this album. Powerful would be the only word I can think of to describe his vocals. // 8
Impression: The album is different from the other two albums, not as heavy as the first, not as dramatic as the second, but also not in between the two as well. It's unique, it's progressive, it's a step forward. I enjoyed this album as a whole, one piece, rather than dissecting it to get favourite and hated songs. 30 Seconds To Mars is the new face of real, modern rock, in my opinion, in comparison to how pop is starting to be more "rock" and dragging down a lot of bands into the pop rock genre. Hopefully, 30 Seconds To Mars will continue to progress forward like they have in this album. // 8
This Is War
Reviewed by:
Radman_Paiza, on december 18, 2009 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: First time I ever heard the name 30 Seconds to Mars was through the radio. I remember it very clearly, as it was the first time I came in contact with the rock. It was three days before my 12th birthday, and The Kill was pumping through the speakers in the car. A Beautiful Lie also came to be my first rock-album.
Four years later I buy This Is War, 30 Seconds to Mars's third album since their debut 2002. Their style has changed alot since then, when they from heavy industrial-rock went over to a more emo-rockish sound in A Beautiful Lie (2005). Now it's hard to classify them. Not only does it feel like they have completely abandoned the industrial sound (there were still elements of industrial rock in A Beautiful Lie), but also have they added a "holy" feel to the music. Frontman Jared Leto have said in an interview that the trio's new album is about faith, war and hot discussion topics in our everyday life. Cannot do anything but agree with him.
This Is War, the title track and also the track which differs the most from the others, is without a doubt, the track that mostly resembles their previous dark, picturing songs which describes a battlefield and the thoughts surrounding it. Much like previous title-track, A Beautiful Lie, it goes from a calm, poetic verse to an explosive chorus.
The most unique song is Hurricane, in which we can hear Kanye West bust rhymes and beat hearts in the pre-chorus and bridge. I personally find it hilarious and quite catchy, but I cannot help finding it horribly embarrassing aswell. 30 Seconds To Mars has drifted into what many would call pop since their debut, and if they continue to experiment, we may expect Jared singing to a houseremix of Circus in two or three years. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: Now I'm not a person who just disregard the lyrics in music, but if the music is well-performed and the melody and singing is perfectly matched, I usually lose myself and start headbanging. This Is War did neither. The lyrics were boring and unappealing, though interesting in a rhythmic perspective, and sometimes it felt like they had been sampling text from previous songs from the same album. No matter how deep the lyrics were meant to be, they did not appeal, and if they do not appeal, the message won't go through, and the message is probably some sort of "peace and love" thing. However, make the lyrical part work, the change of style was needed, as the "holiness" of This Is War's melodies was a perfect match with Jared Leto's writings.
Jared has improved his singing since A Beautiful Lie, and also proven even he can sing smoothly if he tries. An example of this is Closer To The Edge where he has completely removed the whispering sound he got when he went down into the lower part of his voice like in The Kill. Jared has also polished his screaming since A Beautiful Lie, as they sound alot smoother in the songs where he actually screams than in i.e. Attack or The Fantasy. // 6
Impression: 30 Seconds To Mars has gone downhill ever since their self-titled debut 2002, and This Is War is probably something many fans would call "the St. Anger of 30STM". It was not much I expected after hearing the interviews of Jared explaining the concept of This Is War, but yet I was still disappointed.
This Is War outshines Kings & Queens badly, even though Kings & Queens became the first single from the album and more radio-friendly. Hurricane is also one of the more notable tracks, but not necessarily because it's good. But rather because of the sudden rapping.
Another notable track would be Closer To The Edge, where the fan-based choir sings almost all the time. I'm sure the fans who participated enjoyed it (and I bet Jared did too) but as for me, I did not enjoy it very much, but it was definitely one of the better songs on this album, which says alot about the album.
UG asks what I would do if the album was stolen/lost. Well, no burglar would consider This Is War valueable (or good enough) to steal. Nor would I lose something that's currently gathering dust on my shelf. // 4
I fricken LOVE this album. Its a big contrast to anything thats been released this year. I love the use of delay and reverb on this. And how simple the songs actually are, but how complex the orchestration to some tracks are.
I was disappointed with the change of style..I mean, I can handle electronica just fine, but when a band does something like 'A Beautiful Lie,' which I though was amazing, and then puts out stuff like this, it just disappoints me. And when Kanye came in on Hurricane, I just HAD to stop listening...completely ruined the song.
ok. Honestly. These gusy are the definition of sell-outs. They made a perfect heavy atmospheric debut CD. Then followed-up with a commercial sound. A lot of bands do this, but what makes these guys "sell-outs" is that they changed EVERYTHING! Even their look. They changed their appearance, vocals, sound, everything all to sound like these other teenage heart-throb bands. ITs disgusting really. Whiny vocals now and everything.
Now, A Beautiful Lie pretty much sucked. Absolutely terrible album. But this one wasnt THAT bad.
Heres my issues with it though:
Every song seems to sound the same. And man, I have listened to this CD AT LEAST 10 times now. The first listen through, by track 8 I was bored with it.
Anyone notice how almost every song has the kids choir chanting in it? I swear every song has it.
Also. The lyrics are good, but he mentions Jesus, Devil, Heaven, Hell, Faith, etc. in every song except for 1! Look:
Escape
I don't believe in faith
Night of the Hunter
Pray to your god, open your heart
Kings and Queens
Maybe the children of a lesser God
Between Heaven and Hell
This is War
The Good and the Evil
To the leader, the pariah, the victim, the messiah
100 Suns
I believe in nothing not in satan, not in god
Hurricane
where is your God?
Closer to the Edge
This never ending story, it falls with pride and faith.
A call to arms
Want to be god and devil like me?
Search & Destroy
Found my faith
Living in sin
Talk about a hell
Alibi
Stranger in a strange land
F*** you like the devil
If you're looking for Jesus
I was going to buy this album but then I realized I could could go to the bar and buy 2 beers instead... 30s2m rocked in their first album... and then died and became some emo band with the same name
Worst album of the year (that I was looking forward too) Horrible, sucktastic, craptastic crap. I'm a huge fan of the very first CD. I was so/so on A Beautiful Lie but this...what the crap? Jared said they'd be going back to their older sound and with longer songs...well...the songs are longer but not even close to the original sound. They are just another hot topic band. And I agree with 365_days_gone, what the heck is up with almost every song having a choir??? Massively over used. I give it a 2/10.
I'm a big fan of the first 2 records. I love Jared's voice. I can handle the electronica. But they lyrics all seem to be about the same thing, "lets band together and conquer the future".
Maybe a better title for thw album would be :
"Emo anthems for a 21st century Communist Rally. "
Worst album of the year (that I was looking forward too) Horrible, sucktastic, craptastic crap. I'm a huge fan of the very first CD. I was so/so on A Beautiful Lie but this...what the crap? Jared said they'd be going back to their older sound and with longer songs...well...the songs are longer but not even close to the original sound. They are just another hot topic band. And I agree with 365_days_gone, what the heck is up with almost every song having a choir??? Massively over used. I give it a 2/10.
Nope. Whenever bands says they are going back to their roots, NEVER EVER believe them!!! Every band says this when they stray too far from their original sound. But they can never EVER get back to it!!
H251FMLtd ME TOOOOO! AND FUCK YOU ALL WHO THINK THIS ALBUM SUCKS!!! WHY DONT YOU GO AND LISTEN TO THE FUCKING INTERVIEWS AGAIN AND LISTEN TO HIS MOTIVES BEHIND THE ALBUM! I could do a way better job on this interview, considering the fact that you listened to it, what, once? Listen to the words and the music dumbass...
And i swear, the next person to call them emo or gay i am going to stab them in the eye. They are not emo, nor are they gay, and they have meaning behind their songs, and if you didn't know, the reason they have the "War" theme to alot of their songs, is because they went through hell and back to get this album out. Honestly, i have listened to this CD about ninety-something times since Dec. 5th when i got it, and it still doesn't bore me. If you're gonna write a review, don't have a ****ing biased opinion, because that isnt fair to the fans, and you give them a shitty opinion about the CD before they even listen to it. Thats about all i have to say on the matter, so peace out dumbasses. oh, and PS, A Beautiful Lie blew away the first album.
lol@ A Beautiful Lie being bias, people aren't dumbasses cause they don't like the same stuff as you, Grow up. Rubbish band, rubbish album - not like that was a shock anyway
Just worked with them over the weekend. Great show....but he reminded me of Bono...the mannerisms. Kings And Queens reminds me of early U2....but then again, their producer, Steve Lillywhite did U2's 1st 3 albums.
Yep, a band puts out an electronica influenced album that doesn't have a song under 5:30 minutes long and they sell out. That's the way it goes nowadays.
Apparently nobody on the UG Team reads and corrects their articles. It seems like there are always spelling and grammatical errors that cause parts of the article to be confusing.
If you're gonna write a review, don't have a ****ing biased opinion
You couldn't possibly be biased, not with a name like A.Beautiful.Lie. Garbage band that puts out mediocre unoriginal material, but that seems to be par for the course nowadays. You want to listen to something good? Go listen to Cynic. They blow the balls off of 30 Seconds to Mars.
A.beautiful.lie: really? You're REALLY going to harp on someone for having a bias? Why? Because their bias ( which I honestly can't see in the review) doesn't fall in line with YOUR bias? Dude...look at your username. If I do a glowing review of van halen III, do you think anyone would take it seriously? No. Because I'm obviously a van halen fan. If there was a review done by 30s2m_sucks that gave it 2 for sucking, I could see your point. But come on. Maybe, juuuuust maybe, this album isn't that good. I personally like a beautiful lie, and can't stand this album. What I liked about the previous disc was the obvious Thrice connection in a lot of their songs. This album has a touch too much U2/coldplay/NIN/AFI/MCR feel to it. They aren't the most original band out there, but they did the post-hardcore sound decently. Again though, this is all opinion. You need to relax. Not everyone is going to fall in line with you, chief.
their first album is still their best by far.. Its one of my all time favorite albums.. But this one isnt bad.. I just wish there were more songs as "heavy" as 'Kings and Queens'
If you're gonna write a review, don't have a ****ing biased opinion
You couldn't possibly be biased, not with a name like A.Beautiful.Lie. Garbage band that puts out mediocre unoriginal material, but that seems to be par for the course nowadays. You want to listen to something good? Go listen to Cynic. They blow the balls off of 30 Seconds to Mars.
Unoriginal? Go listen to their first album or songs like "Battle Of One".
Don't bother trying to compare Cynic to 30stm, they're completely different styles. You wouldn't compare Duke Ellington to Beethoven would you?
I'm yet to listen to this album, but I didn't like Kings & Queens much. I really hope they don't use that choir sound as much as people say.
The album sucks and is emo. Come stab my eye out, oh wait...you're 15 and can't drive yet (looked at your profile w/ your birthday) lol. Sorry, had to say it.
Seriously, his voice on this album couldn't be any more emo if he tried. He doesn't do any of the lower end signing he's great at like on the first album, it's not an opinion, it's a fact (that he doesn't). It's all high whines like you're listening to AFI...well not that high but still... Most songs also have the same setup as another user wrote and again almost every song has the freaking choir which makes it sound like the others.
This is a problem with a lot of fans of bands, too biased to say when a band has released a crap album compared to what they are capable of.
30stm have done it again...I love this album. I like the way they have envolved their fans, nice touch. Jared and the boys should be proud with what they have produced...Thumbs up from me. I've also read the other reviews and can only say each and everyone to their own opinion. That's what makes us all individuals. Either way, I love this album.
When will people ever stop bitching about what is good and what isnt???
Listen... Bands are entitled to make their own music, afterall, that is why they even do it. People can like it, or dislike it as much as they want, but people like me actually come here to get an honest oppinion about the sound, the themes and songs on the album, so everybody, from now on, please leave your shit dumb comments like "this album sucks" or something like that to youself, I dont care. I honestly dont care about your oppinions, but a professional one. Bands should ALWAYS make the music they want to, and feel it right to them, ad if they dont then they are selling out, yes, but that is clearly not the case with this album.
I was very disappointed with this album. I loved their first two albums a lot, and had such high hopes. But every song is about the same thing (everybody rallying for some unknown reason) and the lyrics go back and forth between being way too generic and being way too metaphorical. The only thing the album consistently does is try way too hard. I can understand writing a handful of epic anthem-like songs, but the entire album is that exact same type of song. And honestly, by the sixth track I was tired of Jared Leto wanting me to band together with him and his other fans to fight some generic, undefined war on nothing.
What... the... FUCK?! Kanye ****ing West?! What the hell were they smoking? This man is everything 30STM isn't. Now I doubt wether I'm even going to buy this album. It's the same with the Linkin Park album Minutes to Midnight - A piece of junk and a waste of my money. What happened to rock music being about standing up for who your are?! Okay, I'm done.
no. he's not emo. he might sing emotionally, but that should be expected from all artists, because it shows how they feel about music. and just because he wears black, and puts eyeliner on doesn't mean that he's emo either.
such a crap album. hurricane is the only decent track. and wtf is up with having children singing in the background on almost every song? hopefully the next album will be as good as the previous 2
It's an allright album - less emo in terms of music: at least half of songs is written in major keys. A descent evolution into more anthemic and optimistic sound - you like their early work, rewind "The kill" and enjoy!
Pretty good album. Not their best (first one was) but I don't think this is sell out. Sure the songs are about the same thing but then again the first albums songs were based around the same concept (just better hidden, pay attention) The first 5 songs are like ABL mixed a little with the 1st album then it goes wierd with hurricane(and for all the people complaning that kanye is in it, are you sure its the album version you're listening to since he is definetly in the single version{not as good}) Search and Destroys intro really scared me a little but stranger in a strange land really caught me with its intro. awesome synth work in a lot of songs. kind of overplayed the summits(the fans in the background) but is good in songs like kings and queens, 100 suns, and the title track. closer to the edge is my favorite of the album and also another thing to relate this th the first album, the last track. The first album had the haunting Sun Tzu-quoting The Struggle(hidden track in year zero) which was done by shannon and this is war has L490, a simplistic yet catchy instrumental written by shannon.
To sum up:
great album
not sell outs (for now)
may be saying same thing but is like 1st album
i actually really like all of their albums, this one is quite different but i think it just shows how dynamic the band is, some very talented musicians =]
The band is EXTREMELY dynamic, and this album just shows off that aspect. Every band is entitled to make music that they enjoy playing so don't label them twats or pricks or anything like that simply because you don't enjoy the music yourself. This band is so extremely far from emo, you clearly haven't got a clue. Jared's voice is absolutely mindblowing - don;t say its edited and all that shit, I klnow it is, but I've seen em live and it truly is. Tomo's guitar playing is pretty damn good, and Shannon is a phenomenal drummer. I'm open to saying YES I'm a tad biased, I do like the band and their music, but that can't effect my personal opinion of the band. This is War, compared to the other albums, was a bit of a sell out to their original style, yes, but is the music on it TRULY that bad on its own? A Beautiful Lie will always be their best album by far, and I can only hope they release more like it. Talented band, enjoyable music.
The band is EXTREMELY dynamic, and this album just shows off that aspect. Every band is entitled to make music that they enjoy playing so don't label them twats or pricks or anything like that simply because you don't enjoy the music yourself. This band is so extremely far from emo, you clearly haven't got a clue. Jared's voice is absolutely mindblowing - don;t say its edited and all that shit, I klnow it is, but I've seen em live and it truly is. Tomo's guitar playing is pretty damn good, and Shannon is a phenomenal drummer. I'm open to saying YES I'm a tad biased, I do like the band and their music, but that can't effect my personal opinion of the band. This is War, compared to the other albums, was a bit of a sell out to their original style, yes, but is the music on it TRULY that bad on its own? A Beautiful Lie will always be their best album by far, and I can only hope they release more like it. Talented band, enjoyable music.
+1
I thinks it's good if bands start expermenting with new styles and sounds... You just can't compare this album with their first or second. They are all great in their own way(XD it's like comparing Metallica and Eminem. Eminem sucks because it aint metal and Metallica sucks because it aint rap... you either like it or not.
Reading through these posts made me really want to say something; I don't want to offend anyone, and I'm just going to say what i think.
Bands change styles. It happens. Sometimes people don't like it, but it's necessary for the development of music. I mean; think about how you walked and talked as a baby, now imagine having to stay exactly that way throughout your life. It wouldn't be right.
With reguards to 30STM, I can honestly say I've never hated a single song. And I believe that each album is great because they are so different from the others. 'This Is War' is particularly special to me; it's the one I can relate to a lot. I loved it, and I hope 30STM will keep moving and developing how they have. They've not let me down once, and I'm very proud of them.
If you're gonna write a review, don't have a ****ing biased opinion
You couldn't possibly be biased, not with a name like A.Beautiful.Lie. Garbage band that puts out mediocre unoriginal material, but that seems to be par for the course nowadays. You want to listen to something good? Go listen to Cynic. They blow the balls off of 30 Seconds to Mars.
"Go listen to Cynic. They blow the balls off of 30 Seconds to Mars."
People are here to read about 30STM, not about Cynic. If you like Cynic, then by all means, share that you like them. But don't do it on a 30STM review where nobody could really care about another band you have a fetish for. Cynic and 30STM cannot be compared to eachother. Cynic sound like something you'd listen to while you're tripping out on LSD. 30STM are a mainstream rock band.
Your Cynic won't ever be as popular as 30STM.
And they will never sell as much merch and tickets as 30STM.
he last album by the misunderstood rock band is by far their best work .Lyrics that take you to a never ending journey of soul searching,music tha awakens you and provokes your hidden passions ,giving you the appetite for more and more.it;s truly an album i still can't stop listening to ,with edgy rock tunes (like " night of the hunter " or "closer to the edge" ), heart felt -but not teenage lollipop- ballads (like my favourite "alibi' ) and more to shake you and make you agree with me that 30 seconds to mars are what the future will bring..
The last album by the misunderstood rock band is by far their best work .Lyrics that take you to a never ending journey of soul searching,music tha awakens you and provokes your hidden passions ,giving you the appetite for more and more.it;s truly an album i still can't stop listening to ,with edgy rock tunes (like " night of the hunter " or "closer to the edge" ), heart felt -but not teenage lollipop- ballads (like my favourite "alibi' ) and more to shake you and make you agree with me that 30 seconds to mars are what the future will bring..
this was definitely an album I was greatly looking forward to. I loved the heavy, industrial sound from the first album, and the emotionally stirring lyrics of the second, so I was hoping for an equally provocative record.
I've been reading the same complaints about different music for years it seems like. When Slipknot released Vol. 3 everyone called them sellouts. When Metallica released Load/Reload/St. Anger, they were dismissed by their fans. Now, 30STM releases an album that is unlike anything released in the last 10 years and because it is radio-friendly, they are being cast as sellouts. If you want Iowa go listen to Iowa. If you want Kill 'Em All, you can pick it up at BestBuy. If you want A Beautiful Lie, stop complaining and go listen to it. That is all.
I certainly do miss their old sound (both of them) but this is a grower. My personal favorites are Vox Populi, Stranger in a Strange Land, This is War, Alibi, and L490 (puts me to sleep at night). Oh, and im not gay, emo, or a chick and actually love heavy metal and hard rock.
I believe that this CD is a masterpiece. That they change their style does not mean they are sell-outs, its just that they have a more open mind than your normal pop/rock band. I really like the three albums and hope that they continue to expand as artists.
... you either like it or not.
. I can't think of any other band who makes music like that. 10/10 for originality alone... epic album.
Excellent songwriting.