30 Seconds to Mars

Actor-turned-musician Jared Leto is no stranger to creating albums full of hidden meanings, but things have changed on "This is War," Leto's third album with 30 Seconds to Mars.

Following the series of anti-war, spiritual and political motifs, "War" focuses on individuality. The album cover alone exemplifies this with a contest that was run a few months back called the "Faces of Mars," an entry contest that gave the first 2,000 people the ability to have their faces on the "War" album cover.

The album also focuses on the music more than lyrics. Several songs feature powerful build-ups, minute long breakdowns, and even drawn-out endings.

But don't be mistaken, the lyrics on "War" are equally heavy. With the first track featuring a chorus of "Honest to God I'll break your heart/Tear you to pieces and rip you apart," it's obvious this is no love album.

"War" already has released its first single "Kings and Queens," a track that could start off a break-up mix perfectly. "Kings and Queens" is a relatively upbeat song compared to the rest of the album and actually sounds more like an alt-rock song than a portion of a concept band.

After waiting nearly five years for this album, Leto's creativity and inspiration have developed a hefty record to consume. "War" isn't an album to pop into the car stereo and cruise around town, but more of an album that requires alone time, headphones and some interpretive skills.

Overall, "War" is good album if listeners give it time, but fans will appreciate Leto's work. This definitely isn't the same 30 Seconds to Mars that used to be on VH1.