30 Seconds To Mars
This Is War

THE REVIEW

Despite the album officially releasing today, p2p works miracles, so I'll take the "exclusive" on the latest album by 30STM.

Five years after "A Beautiful Lie," which crowned them kings of the emo-fringe scene, the group comes back with a decidedly different approach and several arrows in their quiver. Let's assume that in my opinion, they are far from the "space rock-post grunge" masterpiece that was their eponymous first album, not denying that this "This is War" can potentially attract both the die-hard fans and those who had fallen for the catchy melodies of their second work.

What stands out? First and foremost, Leto's voice, which demonstrates and confirms a great talent and enviable versatility, transitioning from "grated" highs to sweet whispers, showcasing a range capable of moving from the hardest rock to a well-interpreted pop. Secondly, the drumming big brother, who proves to be both a great electronic experimenter and a sensational player, delivering perfect and never predictable rhythms for every situation. And last but not least, the entire album seems surrounded by great inspiration and experimentation, although, unfortunately, in some circumstances not fully developed. Among the lesser episodes of the LP, I could mention "Alibi", a sweet and catchy ballad, but already heard a lot, or "100 Suns" driven by a very predictable chorus, or finally "Stranger in a Strange Land", which might recall the first album. I say might because it doesn't fully and is rather boring. Standing out instead is the leading single "Kings and Queens", as catchy as it is mammoth and powerful, the title track, where Leto shatters the speakers with marvelous highs, or even the much-talked-about "Hurricane", featuring Kanye West and a good dose of electronics. I also mention "Search and Destroy", maybe a bit less "thought out" but equally engaging and emotional. The group's interesting initiative to sample thousands of fan voices to then incorporate them into the choruses of the songs (Kings and Queens, Vox Populi) highlights how important participation beyond music is to them.

What can I say, Leto and company are back more charged than ever and apparently in a mood to amaze listeners. 

I give them a 3.7 rounded up to 4, and I highly recommend listening to it.