it's hard to categorize this album... it has a dark, dramatic and sometimes desperate feeling, progressive passages and great guitarwork... don't call this rock or, worse, grunge (!)... this is "almost" gothic metal at its best. simply one of my favourite albums of all times.

Great!

Just wanted to say to all the weak minded fools out there that jump on the 'we shouldn't like this album because it's made by an actor' bandwagon, that it does require brains to like this superior kind of music, and you should form your own opinions rather than be guided by the cynical press. adios.

Once in about 5-6 years I come across an album that 1. Every song is not only good, but phenomenal 2. Every bandmember is not just serviceable, they can play the shit out of their instruments. 3. Kicks the living shit out of everything out right now. My only concern is that the average listener (known for horribly bland taste and "simple" uncomplex easy to listen to (basically not having to think when listening) music, will bypass this as simply progressive rock. It definitely has that feel, but is soooo much more. PICK THIS ALBUM UP AND NEVER PUT IT DOWN… Expand

I've been in love with Jared Leto for yearrrrrrs. I knew he started a band but I didn't know how it sounded. I saw it in Sam Goody for 9.99. I bought it and I LOOOOOOOVE IT! Even if it did suck, it really wouldn't, I mean, it IS Jared Leto ..... But I do believe they underpriced the cd. It's TERRIFIC!! GO GET IT NOWWW!

Very satisfying, soothing medicine. My new very favorite.

this is a great album. if you disagree, i'm gonna hunt you down and crack you over the head with a pipe.

Everybody knows it's not a good idea for actors to become rock stars (Keanu Reeves...Russell Crowe...Kevin Bacon), but in this case, Jared Leto proves he can do it - and well. His new band, 30 Seconds To Mars, is very promising, and they showcase a sound that is unique in a world of cookie cutter pop acts and yes, cookie cutter rock bands. Leto has the perfect voice for his anthemic space-y rock, which has a brooding and futuristic tone. The first time, many of the tracks on their disc may sound similar, but a closer listen unveils the complex thoughts and patterns in each song. 30 Seconds to Mars? sound has been compared to the Cure to Peter Gabriel to Pink Floyd to Rush; it?s something you won?t find in any other modern rock band. Crisp harmonies and driving guitars propel the album along with thought-provoking poetry. The lyrics may be a bit out there, but as Leto said in an interview, "there are enough guys out there singing about their girlfriends and fathers. And doing a good job of it." Would we really want to hear about his problems with Cameron Diaz? Leto is poignant and passionate, and listeners will be drawn to his music. One has to give Leto credit for not using his pretty face to sell the record - neither the band's website nor the album's liner notes has a single photo of Leto. He's trying to make it based on the music, and from the looks of it, he will. … Expand

30STM has done what very few bands, let alone rock bands have been able to do. 30STM creates an album with music that is more composed than just the repitition of a few chords, very similarly to the band Tool. In an industry where most bands have little musical talent, or are just another linkin park, limp bizkit, rock/rap genre, it's refreshing to see a band with actual talent make it.

This CD is awesome! Jared himself as well as his voice are beautiful!

This is one of the most amazing albums that I've personally ever heard. The fact that he does sing about soace and astronomy so much just adds their own touch. I'm glad they don't fit into the mainstream genre. Check this album out, and just sit back and enjoy this masterpiece.

I own the CD and I am now a HUGE fan of 30 seconds to mars, I love them, from the spine tingling notes Leto hits, to the rightous drumming, and though I'm not into the whole sci-fi lyrical form I love these guys!!!

So different, great sounds, great music, great people.

It's not surprising that people who don't like the album lack good grammar skills. The album is too smart for you. While it's not flawless, it is an extremely well made album. You've got to have brains to "get it". If you're blindly going to insult a bands work, at least learn basic english skills.

Sweet action. I keep listening to it, I can't STOP. HELP ME!!!!

The best cd I have heard in a long time!!1

I think this album is refreshing after listening to alot of "nothingness" that is being played on alot, maybe too many, radio stations around the U.S. I hope that this band launches forward and has many more songs to share with us.

AWESOME!!!!

I feel they did a wonderful job on Friday in Houston Texas. I went to hear them play in the Engine room. That was my first time ever hearing them and they were amazing. They were so unique . They got the best of both worlds. They rock and are adorable all at the same time.

this is the most awesome album that i have ever heard in the short time that i have been listening to rock. i love it sooooooo much and hope that they continue making wonderful cds like this one.

I love this CD! The lyrics are awsome and Jareds voice is just so damn good.

very nice stuff!!

Damn! their albums just soooo fucken l33t. I could listen to their songs everyday and jack-off over and over. -nerd -@-@

I bought this album after I saw the video for Capricorn. I am a huge fan of Incubus and I heard they were touring with them. I figured after that it was time to get it. It's a great album with cutting edge techno thrown into the mix. If there is anything wrong with this album it would be the repetitive lyrics. Otherwise, it's a must buy for 2002.

I haven;t heard a cd this good since KMFDM's ATTAK. Completely Awesome!

I absolutely love this album. There is nothing else on the market right now like it. I especially love the songs Capricorn and Fallen.

Tis a damn spanky effort. the boy's done good, really good!

Holy shit!!! This chaps my ass something fierce!!! I heard Capricorn on the local radio station and kind of kept it in the back of my head, hearing, not really listening. Enjoying none the less. So then earlier this month, a friend and I go to see Sevendust, and I hear Capricorn playing while they are setting up, the CD continues to play every song got better and better. I had to go search out the guy on the soundboard to find out who it was. I was forced to wait out an entire stressful night for the local record store to open the next morning. It has barely left my CD player for 3 days now.… Expand

I don't like Incubus and would never go to one of their shows, but I heard these guys on the radio and got their CD. Great album. In my opinion Incubus should be opening for them.

Jared and Shannon Leto got the bum end of the deal when their production team decided to screw up the liner notes and the actual cd press (creating gaps instead of smooth crossovers between tracks). And that's too bad, because they have been successful in cloning Linkin Park, taking out any "nu-metal" influence (especially the whiny, woe-is-me lyrics), throwing in some twists, and creating an incredible, spatial tribute to the future and realization of it. Of course, 30STM can't fully escape a corporate rock label, considering most songs on the CD are done in a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus fashion, but i'm not complaining. With the hopeful "Capricorn," two-sided "Buddha For Mary," and driving "The Mission," 30STM have quitely secured a place in the graces of good, solid rock and roll.… Expand

The songs on the album are great!, 30 seconds from mars is tha best!!!

This cd sets a great atmosphere.

it rocks

can't I give 11? This can't be a too bad album, because I have listened it a few weeks on a row, and it still sounds as good as when I got it! Jared is great, his voice matching the music perfectly. The lyrics... I have hears worse, and by now, I haven't noticed anything crappy in them! While waiting for the next demo... let's listen to this album! :)

This is a great CD that strays away from the corporate machine that so many pontentialy good bands have lost themselves to. The lyrics and music takes you to another world that I could and have gotten lost in for hours. Highly recomended. Also this album is much much better than their second (a beautiful lie). PS, anyone living in calgary, alta. they are playing at the Whiskey April.11. Peace

Leto: go back to acting. ASAP.

Mmmmm... yummy... Care less about the critics.

Great album, the musical complexity here is amazing. Not to mention that Jared Leto played almost all the instruments.

the band in my opinion sets a good example to us teenagers and their music is unbelieveable good.

I've noticed comments that this CD (and band) is unappreciated, and that most don't give it a chance because it is "not popular". However, though I am a Jared Leto fan, I find his band to be simply unoriginal. The overall feel of the album is sophomoric at best, without any effort to be different. This album IS popular, mostly due to the main singer's appeal and the fact that it fits into that certain, mediocre niche, that appeals to the masses.… Expand

This band sucks. Jared Leto sucks. That sums it up. They make Nickleback look like Bach by comparison.

Speaking as thier #1 fan, it is simply the greatest album for the last 25 years! I've never miss thier concerts and I intend to keep it that way!

when i got my incubus tickets and 30 seconds to mars was the opener, i never heard of them so i went to the store and the cd was 6.88 you cant beat that, i trrew it in my cd player and was mesmerized by the way the heavy guitars, didnt overshadow the singers voice which caps of the amazing preformances on the album. after the listen i hoped on line to find out more only to be shocked that the voice i just heard was jared leto, jared deservse all the respect we give to other great singers as well as to his band kudos to 30 seconds to mars. i was even more impressed at the concert with how they treated there fans, they talked to me for about 10 minutes about the album and none of them includeing jared acted like they were better then you. class acts. these guys care about the music… Expand

I hate Rolling Stone. They are out to give an image to rock. Rock has no image, but the one it creates for itself. 30STM have created a new sound and developed an originality that a lot of bands these days are lacking. They are ggrrrreeeeaaaatttttt!

This album is great. The sounds of the guitars and the synthesizer is overwhelmingly in sync with the lead singer. The only problem is that the lyrics are obssessive over space and astrology. Overall, if you're looking for something new 30 Seconds to Mars is a great start.

Speechless! The unique reasons for this record is makes it that much more intersting to listen to! The lyrics the sounds make for really sexy songs, it takes you on a outta this world adventure!

This is my new favorite album, I saw them in concert before it even came out and i knew i had to have it! They are an awesum band who kicks major ace!

i think this album was put together with pure genius. they are doing something different and fresh, and not everyone likes that. magazines can go to hell - what's more important is how the fans feel.

kicks ass!

this album is amazing just like the members of the band. it's one of the best CDs i've heard this year.. every song is awesome. 10 all the way :)

I'm sorry but anyone who thinks badly of this band has a seriously messed up taste in music. I was at their concert last sat and they were awesome they really care about their fans they stayed after and signed stuff till everyone who wanted something sugned had it. The music is great nothing would be greater for me then to see them again

Thank God,30STM, a band with musical depth and a fresh sound, have let us hear their talent. I quit listening to the radio b/c most of the crap out right now sounds the same. But from beginning to end this cd is a breath of fresh air. I am completely addicted to the cd; it's intoxicating and exhillerating. 2 enthusiastic thumbs up to Jared Leto and the boys!

This album is nothing short of stellar. Those mags that have given it a bad review should get their heads out of the gutter and stop gushing on all the teen crap that's out there. Sonia (= [echelon÷]

This album is amazing! I haven't listened to anything else since I bought it. Jared has an amazingly sexy voice and the music... THE MUSIC is so out there and sexy that it gives me chills. It transfers really well live. There's only one word I can use to describe 30 Seconds To Mars: unreal.

I just have to say that this band has a chance to take rock music in a whole different direction. While adding an ethereal and spacy twist with all of these effects and syntesizers, they still carry the message and vibe of a powerful rock band. Also I think the lyrics are top notch. I just have one question: Why are these guys leaving the Incubus tour before they get to my hometown in Jackson, MS? That was the biggest let down since Will Smith started rapping. … Expand

I absolutely adore this album. I fell in love with the music because it was different from all the other junk. Because I liked 30stm so much, I decided to go digging around on the net to find out some more info on the band. I was completely shocked to find that Leto was the frontman for the band. I must admit, the guy can rock. Just for clarity's sake, the rest of the band rocks too!

This is the best CD I've heard in a long time......I've been waiting for its release for a long time......but it was definitly worth the wait!!!!! Jared Leto is the BEST!!!!!

I have to say this band kicks some serious azz.

i saw 30 seconds to mars sep 18 with my all time fav ban incubus (awes show), and i had never heard of them or the lead singer, who had a rep as an actor. i guess i was looking for a type of rock that i liked and this was it. a cool blend of electronics and haunting guitar playing, i give them a 10. the only thing i regret is not going down to see them between shows!great music, great style, great lyrics.… Expand

Great stuff, friend mentioned them to me, been listening to them since. Comes with the highest recommendations.

this album rocks

I find Jared Leto's debut impressive. 30 seconds to Mars may be a bit rough around the edges but they sound as if they are on the verge of becoming a phenomenal and unforgettable band. They have "breathed life" back into the media circus that has forcefed us with trash like Britney Spears, Nelly and Linkin Park. Give 'em a shot Max

see these guys live twice. If you don't like these guys there something wrong with your hearing

THIS ALBUM IS GREAT! I saw 30 Seconds To Mars open up for Incubus September 16th. Deffenetly check this out!

I saw these guys in concert with Incubus on sept. 19th also got the autographs and pictures of 30stm....they were very down to earth funny people...The album rocks and thats all I listen to from the time I wake up til the time I get home from school... All I hope for is that they dont end up becoming trendy like linkin park has...that would really set me off...and also I thought of the same thing as the other girl...I'm actually happy to see that Jared Leto's picture is not on the cd cover nor the website because I want people to like them for their talent and their music not just because of Jared's Gorgeous face...and to see its not all him the other band members are very talented too..Think about it, it wouldnt be 30 seconds to mars without the others... Thanks and Good Luck Guys! Keep Rockin'… Expand

I love this Album. It's one of my favorits. And I hope that the fans that see them on tour with Incubus appreciate them cuz not only can Jared Leto act, but he can also perform. I hope that who ever seems them enjoy the show, cuz i know that i did. GOOD JOB u guys.

Great! It's completely different from the music that I usually listen, but... fantastic. The CD gives such an energy!... :)

the cd is pretty good, but the lyrics are garbage

band sucks so damn bad. Leto just yells and moans about god knows what. I dk how anybody can think a band with so little of talent can be any good. Honestly, this is the worst band i probably have ever heard and seen opening for audioslave and seether. But they suck dont buy this, if you want a good cd buy contraband by Velvet revolver.

Justin you are the biggest idiot there is. This band is awesome and further more why dont you run back to seether and tell them the next album they make not to take every song from every cd they have ever made and put it on the d@mn cd. Tell seether to get some original material for once in their lives. 30 seconds rules leto is a better singer than I though he would be. At first I was skeptical but then I actually gave them a chance and I love them.… Expand

Wow, terrible, angst ridden music. Enjoy!

Terrible. This is what happens when actors think they can do anything. FYI: You can't

Over-wrought, mind-numbing, pretentious, and infantile. Leto obviously is a misguided lyricist and this album is a shockingly awful prog-emo mess. The follow-up at least opens with three decent (and I use that word loosely) songs. This album simply takes everything wrong with rock music, new and old, and purees it into 53 minutes of hell.

I was delighted by the poster that insisted that one had to be intelligent to 'get' this album. What on earth is there to get? The music is dull and derivative while Leto's lyrics are not 'baffling', merely inept. This whole product is a great glaring cliche, from the music to the lyrics to the poor actor turned worse musician.

Doesn't set the music scene on fire, but still enjoyable.

It's the best and I LOVE Jared leto in what ever he does. The music Rox! I can never stop listening to it, it's awesome.

I love you guys!!!!!!!!! 3 for 3 in mn!

best thing since ziggy stardust

this album was awesome, it rocked my cracker greatly. The music was awesome and so were the lyrics and this is what makes it even better, they great live too.

"30 seconds to mars...try 30 seconds to awesome!" - the guy standing behind me at the Incubus concert that 30STM opened @. I thought it was funny so i included it. I agree. They have a unique sound that you either love, or hate. I love it, so i hope they keep rocking!

one word: awesome

I absolutely love this cd. The first time I heard 30STM was at a few Incubus shows last week, and I was thoroughly impressed. I wasn't really expecting much, since I've seen actors try to be musicians before. However, I think Jared Leto actually has a lot of musical talent, and a great voice. I love the style of music, as well...it's great to hear an artist using electronics and programming, and not making it sound like a bunch of noise in the background. I think they've done a great job with this cd and I really hope they have success. One more thing...I think Jared Leto was smart not to try to gain popularity based on the fact that he's a movie star. At a show in NJ last week, I heard some guys talking about how pathetic Jared Leto is for 'trying to be a rock star' and then after they heard the band's set, they were saying things like 'They were pretty good,' and going and buying the cd. Kudos to Jared and his band for proving that they actually are good musicians. … Expand

it rocks!!!!!!!!1

the more you listen to it, the more you uncover. an underrated cliche killer!

It's interesting to see Rolling Stone demonize odd lyrics. It would be easy to categorize this album as corporate, emo, glam, prog, college, even hard rock "lite" or any number of labels that would be attributed to it by lovers (or detractors) of any of these genres. The strength of the album is that it takes good ingredients from each, and mixes it into a very accessable which is unique enough to enjoy repeat listening. It's really just a good album - if Leto were not already famous, I think the detractors would give this a fairer review. But listen to it for yourself. It's worth the risk.… Expand

This album is by far a 10. Leto puts together an amazing sound, chilling vocals, awesome guitars, an awesome beat to each song, and deep lyrics that create a world to imagine. Their first album is so underrated just because Leto is an actor and people dont think he is legitimate in a band. You people make me sick. Open your eyes and behold the ECHELON!!!!

if i could give them anything higher than 10 i so would. this band is amazing and nothing can top them. their lyrics are so different and creative that it just keeps you listening until you realize that CD's finished. people who don't like them can't get outside of the music that's poplular. you have to be more open-minded to music that might be out-of-the-box in order to appreciate how amazing they are. i love them. they're the best band ever.… Expand

no one cares about you idiots who rated low cause they have sold millions of copies. so hahaha and they

This is not only the best new band for the year 2002, but probably the best album as well

This Cd Rocks!

Definately shows that there is still some people out there who know how to rock. After all this wanna-be punk rock had come out I thought that rock was over for good. Good charlotte, the strokes, sum 41, they really all sound the same and they suck when compared to the 90's rock like stabbing westward, bush, nirvana, pearl jam, and soundgarden. 30 seconds to mars is the closest that anyone has come in a long time to making good music just because and not the cookie cutter crap to make money. Good job guys!… Expand

This album is amazing. It brings together so many styles of music and mixes them well. The problem with this album is, that in some places where bland music prevails, this will not be appreciated. I think that is a shame as this band can definetly kick pop-idol ass, in fact kick is probably not the word. I'm thinking KILL pop-idol ass!