HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: This Is War – Thirty Seconds To Mars
Released on December 8th 2009, THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS released their third album, This Is War which resulted in a monumental turning point in the band’s career. Emerging amidst personal and professional turmoil, the album itself solidified the (then) trios reputation as ambitious architects of epic, anthemic alternative rock. This Is War is driven by themes of conflict, survival and resilience and remains a landmark in their discography and a touchstone for the alternative music scene of the late 2000s.
By the time This Is War was being recorded, THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS faced significant challenges. The band had been embroiled in a $30 million lawsuit with their label EMI over a contract dispute. This legal battle fuelled the album’s combative and defiant tone, with frontman Jared Leto describing the project as a cathartic process that reflected both struggles and triumphs for the band. The tension surrounding its creation seeped into the album’s DNA, giving it a palpable urgency mixed with an incredible energy.
On This Is War, the band embraced a more expansive sound, stepping away from the darker, more intimate tones of their 2005 breakthrough album, A Beautiful Lie. This Is War is grandiose, cinematic and meticulously crafted with soaring choruses, layered instrumentation and anthems designed to resonate in arenas and stadiums alike. With the assistance of producers Flood [U2, DEPECHE MODE] and Steve Lillywhite [THE ROLLING STONES, DAVE MATTHEWS BAND], the band honed a sound that genuinely felt larger than life.
Upon its release, This Is War was a commercial success. In the United States, the album debuted at #18 on the Billboard 200, bolstered by strong sales and the success of its singles. In the UK, This Is War performed even better, peaking at #15 on the UK Albums Chart. It’s lead single Kings and Queens became a defining track for the band, reaching #1 on the US Alternative Songs chart and gaining significant radio play. Subsequent singles like This Is War and Closer To The Edge also fared well, with the latter becoming a global hit and a fan favourite, the pair still remain on live show setlists to this day.
Critically, the album received a mixed-to-positive response. While some reviewers lauded its ambition and scope, others found its bombastic nature overwhelming. NME praised the album’s ability to balance emotional rawness with theatricality. AllMusic commended the bands growth, calling it a “bracing and often moving” record. Detractors however criticised its perceived pretentiousness arguing that its grandeur felt hollow. Despite polarizing reviews, This Is War struck a chord with listeners, earning a loyal and fierce following, further establishing THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS as a force in alternative rock.
This Is War arrived at a moment when the alternative rock scene was evolving. The late 2000s saw the rise of genre-blurring acts and a push toward a more polished, cinematic aesthetic in alternative music. THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS’ ambitious production and thematic focus fit perfectly within this trend, setting a precedent for bands looking to balance emotional sincerity with a larger than life presentation. One of the more notable cultural contributions of the album was its integration of fan participation. The Faces Of Mars campaign saw the band featuring the faces of 2,000 fans on This Is War’s cover art. It emphasized the connection and dedication to their community. This initiative not only deepened their connection with their audience but also anticipated the increasingly interactive relationship between artists and fans in the digital age. The albums themes of survival and resilience resonated with a generation grappling with global uncertainty, economics instability and environmental concerns. Many songs throughout the album from Kings & Queens, Closer To Edge, Vox Populi and Hurricane became anthems of defiance and hope, frequently appearing in film trailers, commercials and sporting events, further embedding themselves into popular culture.
The tour itself in support of This Is War was a different beast entirely. The touring cycle was a monumental period for THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS, showcasing the bands ability to blend spectacle with a raw, emotional connection. The band launched their Into The Wild tour in February 2010 and would become one of the most extensive and ambitious tours of their career. It was a pivotal moment that not only cemented their status as global rock icons, but also set a Guinness World Record for ‘Longest Concert Tour by a Rock Band’. The Into The Wild tour spanned over the course of two years, covering six continents and featured more than 300 shows. Performing in over 60 countries, major cities and more remote locations alike. The relentless schedule underscored their commitment to connecting with fans worldwide ranging from arena shows, festivals and more intimate performances.
Looking back, This Is War stands as a defining moment for THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS. It captured the band at a crossroads, transforming adversity into anthemic triumph. While its bombast and grandeur might not appeal to all, the album’s impact on the alternative music landscape is undeniable. Its blend of ambition, audience engagement and emotional resonance has ensured its legacy as a bold and influential work that continues to inspire artists and fans alike. In the decade- plus since its release, This Is War remains a testament to the power of perseverance and enduring appeal of music that dares to aim for the stars.
This Is War was originally released on December 8th, 2009 via EMI.
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