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30 Seconds to Mars - This Is War By Brian Campbell  |
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Perhaps it’s just a case of too much too soon, too popular too fast when it comes to 30 Seconds to Mars, because the band has been in a steady decline since the release of their landmark self titled debut, seven years ago. The band first made their mark on the scene with the sheer immensity and pure explosiveness of the afore mentioned eponymous effort, then moved to a more complete and well rounded, all be it more commercial, sound on 2005’s “A Beautiful Lie,” only to make a lateral, if not step back, on “This Is War,” their third studio release to date.
“This Is War” is flat and falls short of the expectations a four year wait garners. The bands usual sonic flair is missing, along with the sense of urgency 30 Seconds usually instills in their music. On the whole, “This Is War” is a disjointed record with no certain ebb and flow, a record that really lacks a clear identity. This record lists lazily along from track to track, and although there are some benchmark works along the way (‘Night of the Hunter,’ ‘Kings and Queens’), most tracks come across as forgettable. The seaming rededication to the airy, space-y atmospherics is commendable, even though the band slips into the mainstream, more radio ready sound of “A Beautiful Lie” more often than not (‘This Is War,’ ‘Closer to the Edge’). They do add new wrinkles to their game with ‘Hurricane,’ a collaboration with rapper Kanye West of all people. Hey, if Weezer can team with Lil’ Wayne (‘Can’t Stop Partying’), then 30 Seconds can team with Kanye. The track is memorable, and while it adds an interesting aesthetic to the record, it seems unnecessary. The Cure-esque guitars of ‘Alibi’ end the record on a high note with genuine feel and ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ is authentic 30STM as well.
In what should have been the clear breakthrough release for 30 Seconds to Mars, the album that would shatter the glass ceiling for a band with limitless potential, “This Is War” barely passes as a natural progression for the band. Honestly, after a four year hiatus, in which the band was near silent, 30 Seconds fans deserved better.
Grade: B
Listen to: ‘Night of the Hunter,’ ‘Alibi’
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