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This Is War
The tiger feels angry closer to the screen logo above his front of the eyes.
Studio album by
Thirty Seconds to Mars
ReleasedDecember 8, 2009 (2009-12-08)
StudioThe International Centre for the Advancement of the Arts and Sciences of Sound (Los Angeles, California)
Genre
Length60:40
Label
Producer
Thirty Seconds to Mars chronology
To the Edge of the Earth
(2008 (2008)) 		This Is War
(2009) 		MTV Unplugged
(2011 (2011))
This Is War Deluxe edition
Available in four colors: black/white, pink/white, blue/white, and white/black.
Singles from This Is War
  1. "Kings and Queens"
    Released: October 13, 2009 (2009-10-13)
  2. "This Is War"
    Released: March 26, 2010 (2010-03-26)
  3. "Closer to the Edge"
    Released: August 20, 2010 (2010-08-20)
  4. "Hurricane"
    Released: November 15, 2010 (2010-11-15)
  5. "Night of the Hunter"
    Released: April 8, 2011 (2011-04-08) (promo)

This Is War is the third studio album by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, released on December 8, 2009 through Virgin Records. It was the band's first studio album in four years, after the breakthrough of their previous work, A Beautiful Lie (2005). The album was recorded over a span of two years while the band was in the midst of a legal dispute with Virgin over an alleged breach-of-contract. The case was later settled in April 2009, and the band signed to EMI later that year.

The album marked a departure from the band's previous material, implementing a more experimental direction that draws influence from progressive rock, new wave, industrial, and heavy metal music. Lyrically, it is a conceptual record shaped by the band's personal struggles and legal battle with their record label, and is sometimes considered a rock opera. It was accompanied by the documentary film Artifact (2012), which chronicled the dispute.

This Is War received general acclaim from critics, who praised its instrumentation and experimental direction, and was nominated for the Echo Music Prize. It reached the top ten of several national album charts and has since sold over four million copies worldwide. The record was primarily promoted through the Into the Wild Tour, which earned the band a Guinness World Record for most live shows during a single album cycle, with 300 shows.

Background and development

[edit]
See also: Artifact (film)

Thirty Seconds to Mars was sued for breach-of-contract by their record label, Virgin Records, in mid-2008. The label sought $30 million in damages, claiming that the band had failed to produce three of the five records they were obliged to deliver under their 1999 contract with the now-defunct Immortal Records. In 2004, Virgin took over the contract. Jared Leto responded to some of the claims in the suit on the band's website and dismissed rumors that the group had disbanded. He said the claims were "ridiculously overblown" and "totally unrealistic", before stating that "under California law, where we live and signed our deal, one cannot be bound to a contract for more than seven years." Thirty Seconds to Mars had been contracted for nine years, so the band decided to exercise their "legal right to terminate our old, out-of-date contract, which according to the law is null and void."[5]

After nearly a year of the lawsuit battle, the band announced on April 29, 2009, that the case had been settled.[6] The suit was resolved following a defense based on a contract case involving actress Olivia de Havilland decades before. Leto explained, "The California Appeals Court ruled that no service contract in California is valid after seven years, and it became known as the De Havilland Law after she used it to get out of her contract with Warner Bros."[7] Thirty Seconds to Mars then decided to re-sign with EMI (the parent label of Virgin). Leto said the band had "resolved our differences with EMI" and the decision had been made because of "the willingness and enthusiasm by EMI to address our major concerns and issues, (and) the opportunity to return to work with a team so committed and passionate about Thirty Seconds to Mars." He said it was "the most challenging business obstacle that we've ever gone through as a band."[6]

Upon completion of the record, Leto spoke of the troubles the band faced while working on This Is War: "We spent two years of our lives working on that record, and it was us against the world... There were times that it was overwhelming. Everything that was going on was brutal... It was a case of survival, to tell the truth."[8]

Leto produced a documentary Artifact, which depicted the state of the modern music industry through their dispute with their record company. Other musicians also gave accounts of their industry experiences. The film premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was well received and won the People's Choice Award for Best Documentary.[9][10]

Writing and recording

[edit]
This Is War makes extensive use of choir recordings made at a fan gathering nicknamed "The Summit".

During recording sessions, the band hosted a gathering, which they called "The Summit", at the Avalon club in Los Angeles.[11] The purpose of the gathering was to deepen the band's connection with the fans by involving them in the making of the album. Approximately 1,000 fans from across the U.S. and Europe showed up for The Summit. Their participation in the recording process ranged from providing percussion and whispers on some tracks to singing the whole chorus of a song. In an interview with MTV, frontman Jared Leto described the process as an experiment saying "It was quite simply one of the best things we've done as a band".[12] Leto also revealed in the interview that the album's style would be leaning more towards that of their self-titled debut than that of A Beautiful Lie,[better source needed] with most songs clocking in over five minutes. Describing the experimental recording process, he said:

"I think we do a really good job at just chasing the feeling, the core of the song, and allowing the song the ability or right to go where it leads us, where it wants to go. The song dictates that, and we've been working on this collection of songs for 12 months, so we know them pretty well."[12]

In May 2009, Kanye West posted a photo of himself, Brandon Flowers (the frontman of the Killers) and Jared Leto together and announced that he and Jared were working together on a song named "Hurricane". Leto later confirmed that Kanye West's vocals would appear on "Hurricane" and that West would be singing, not rapping.[13] West's vocal contribution to the song was ultimately removed because of legal issues surrounding the rights of the record labels of each of the artists.[14] Although it was not released on the original pressing of the album, Leto said the track would eventually be heard.[15] The early leaked versions of the album had the version of "Hurricane" featuring Kanye West included.[citation needed] This version also appears on the Deluxe edition of the album.

Musical style and themes

[edit]
"Kings and Queens"
"Kings and Queens", the third track on the album, was partly written in South Africa.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

AllMusic writer Stephen Thomas Erlewine acknowledged the band's progression since their last record; saying that it was a liability "When they were mining a post-grunge or nu metal or emo vein," but now the group has deviated to a sound that is more reminiscent of "a hybrid of the Killers' retro new wave and My Chemical Romance's gothic prog." He said following the band's transposition "they've wound up with a sound that suits their stance", referring to the record as "an ungainly mix of synth rock, metal, and prog, the distillation of all manner of brooding '80s teenage obsessions."[16] Sara Anderson from AOL Radio referred to This Is War's "extremely progressive rock sound with killer choruses"; saying the album clearly takes inspiration from experimental Pink Floyd to melodic M83.[2] Billboard writer Cortney Harding said the album "represented an artistic step forward for the band," observing that the band hasn't completely abandoned its melodic and hard rock tendencies.[17] The Times described the record's sound as "a tighter, more textured set of eyeliner indie-rock tunes than the group's previous albums".[4]

"One thing that I thought was missing from Thirty Seconds to Mars was a sense of optimism, which I think you feel on songs on this record. 'Kings and Queens,' there's a triumphant feeling of the possibilities that we all have. 'This Is War,' you feel a confidence and a celebration, and even 'Closer to the Edge'. [In the case of] 'Stranger in a Strange Land' ... the other thing I felt was missing was sexuality. And that's obviously a big part of all of our lives, and I thought it (was) important to address some of that."

—Jared Leto, Thirty Seconds to Mars lyricist and vocalist, on the themes incorporated into the record.[18]

Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto described the record as a concept album, proceeding to say "if this isn't, I'm not sure what is".[18] He said the record was created in an "intense two-year period, where it felt like the whole world was falling apart and massive changes were going on. I think you can hear that in the sound of this album."[19] Furthermore, he refused to call the album a rock opera, "People seem OK with calling it 'a rock opera'... I would never say that though; the only thing I'm comfortable saying 'rock opera' about is Tommy by the Who. But it's very conceptual, about many spiritual things, and it really is simply who we are, who we've become."[18]

Leto described the style as "much more electronic and experimental, with lots of vintage synths."[19] Leto also mentioned that he had written lyrics about some themes he felt were missing from their previous work, such as optimism and sexuality only for the song "Stranger in a Strange Land".[18] Rock Sound writer Victoria Durham referred to the dramatic themes instilled in the album, such as "Night of the Hunter" which she said "is one of the album's most dramatic efforts" and also reminiscing over their previous album, A Beautiful Lie, which he says "featured its share of over-dramatic moments, (but) this time the band have blasted them into the stratosphere. The massive-sounding 'Vox Populi' is a prime example." She reiterates Leto's claim, noting the track has a "feeling of all-conquering optimism".[20]

The music video for the song "Hurricane" was banned by MTV and several other TV channels around the world. The video, which runs for 13 minutes and 10 seconds and was directed by Jared Leto under the pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, premiered on MTV on November 29, 2010. Jared stated in an interview with MTV that "I didn't expect all this to happen, but it's a good thing that it happens, only because of the conversation that it may provoke, about these sort of things, and looking at art and creative expression and weighing that against protecting the viewers from the exhibition of certain behaviors".[21] " The video was censored and banned because of its elements of violence, nudity and sex. On November 28, 2010, Jared Leto posted the letter from MTV about the censorship of the video on his blog. The list features the offending scenes, such as a woman running her finger on the anus of another G-string woman, which was classified as "restricted". It was only this shot which had made the video completely restricted.[22]

Promotion and release

[edit]
Main article: Into the Wild Tour
Thirty Seconds to Mars performing in Zürich, Switzerland in-support of This Is War.

BioWare has announced that the soundtrack of Dragon Age: Origins contains the song "This Is War", as the title track.[23] The track made its world debut in the game before the release of the album. Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at Electronic Arts described working with Thirty Seconds to Mars:

"EA has always had a forward-thinking relationship with Thirty Seconds to Mars and we are overwhelmed with excitement about the band's involvement and creative contribution to Dragon Age: Origins. This exciting song debut exemplifies our continued commitment to working with great bands that move the needle to where music is going."[24]

Jared Leto commented, "We always try to push the envelope both in the entertainment world and the media, and our title track to debut in a game of this caliber is one of the best ways to bring our music to fans around the world. We've come a long way from having to rely solely on radio to approach and engage music fans, and Dragon Age: Origins is the perfect game to do this with."[24]

This Is War features 2,000 different album covers featuring individual photos of fans from around the world.[25][26] The band asked fans to submit pictures of themselves, and then selected the 2,000 best images. The images were then used as covers for the album itself and shipped randomly to stores around the world.[27]

Cobra Starship frontman Gabe Saporta revealed to MTV News that he is featured on one of the covers, after sending in a photo and not expecting to be selected. Leto's mother also features on a cover.[27] There is also a number of other notable persons including manager Irving Azoff and label executives Ron Werre, Greg Thompson, Angelica Cob-Baehler, Colin Finklestein and Bob Semanovich; as well as celebrities Bam Margera, Kat Von D, Conan O'Brien and members of the bands Chevelle and Street Drum Corps.[28][29]

The CD booklet, as well as the promotional and digital artwork features a roaring tiger. All retail albums include varied sleeves, separate from the booklet, featuring one of the 2,000 different covers.

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[16]
Alternative PressStarStarStarStar[30]
Billboardfavorable[31]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[32]
Kerrang!StarStarStarStar[33]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarStarStar[34]
MelodicStarStarStarStarHalf star[35]
QStarStarStar[36]
Rock Sound9/10[20]
Spin3/10[37]

Critical response

[edit]

This Is War received mixed reviews from critics, with review aggregator Metacritic reporting an average score of 57 based on 12 reviews.[38]

Chart performance

[edit]

In the week of its release, This Is War sold over 67,000 units in the United States, entering the Billboard 200 at number 19.[39] The album debuted at number two on the Billboard Alternative Albums chart,[40] number two on the Digital Albums chart,[41] number four on the Rock Albums chart,[42] and number 23 on the European Albums chart.[43] On August 19, 2011, the album was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry for shipping 300,000 units.[44] On November 8, 2011, the album was certified gold in the United States.[45]

The first single from the album, "Kings and Queens", debuted in its week of release at number 20 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and the number 24 on the Rock Songs chart.[46] On the Alternative Songs chart, the song rose to the Top 5 only four weeks after its debut, peaking at number one and staying there for three weeks, ending Muse's song "Uprising"'s dominant run at the top of the chart.[47] It is the second Alternative number one song from Thirty Seconds to Mars, with the first being "From Yesterday", which managed two weeks at the top.[47] Before its release as a single, in the week ending December 26, 2009, the song "This Is War" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 72,[48] number 67 on the Canadian Hot 100,[48] number four on the Heatseekers Songs chart[48] and number 33 on the Hot Digital Songs chart.[48] The song was released as a single to American radio on March 8, 2010.[49]

In Germany, the album debuted at number 15 and quickly fell, and after only 14 weeks it disappeared from the albums chart. After the album achieved several new entries at some low positions, it managed to climb up continuously since June (six months after the album's release) and after another 10 weeks, it reached its final peak of 12.[50]

As of May 2012, This Is War had sold nearly four million albums and over one million singles worldwide.[51]

Accolades

[edit]
Accolades for This Is War
Publication Country Accolade Year Rank
AOL Music United States "Best Albums of 2009"[52] 2009 *
Rock Sound United Kingdom "Best Album Artwork"[53] 2009 3
Rock Sound United Kingdom "Best Album of 2009"[53] 2009 3
Virgin Radio Italia Italy "Best Album of 2009"[54] 2009 1

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Jared Leto, except "L490" by Shannon Leto.

No.TitleLength
1."Escape"2:24
2."Night of the Hunter"5:40
3."Kings and Queens"5:46
4."This Is War"5:27
5."100 Suns"1:58
6."Hurricane"6:12
7."Closer to the Edge"4:33
8."Vox Populi"5:43
9."Search and Destroy"5:39
10."Alibi"5:59
11."Stranger in a Strange Land"6:54
12."L490"4:27
Total length:60:40
iTunes Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."Kings and Queens" (LA Riots vocal mix)6:12
14."Night of the Hunter" (Flood remix) (Pre-order only)5:42
Total length:72:34
Japanese bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."Kings and Queens" (Eddy and Tiborg radio mix)4:10
14."Kings and Queens" (Innerpartysystem remix main)6:17
Total length:71:07
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
13."Hurricane 2.0" (featuring Kanye West)  6:11
14."Bad Romance" (BBC live version)Stefani Germanotta, Nadir KhayatSimon Askew4:40
15."Stronger" (BBC live version)Kanye West, Thomas Bangalter, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Edwin BirdsongAndy Rogers6:03
Total length:77:30
Deluxe edition DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Closer to the Edge" (Music video)6:22
2."The Ride (Kings and Queens)" (Music video)8:51
3."The Ride" (The Making of)20:48
4."Into the Wild"6:15
5."The Summit"3:12
6."War Is Coming" (Short films)7:16
Total length:52:44

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for This Is War
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[87] Gold 35,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[88] Gold 10,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[89] 2× Platinum 60,000*
Germany (BVMI)[90] Platinum 200,000^
Ireland (IRMA)[91] Gold 7,500^
Italy (FIMI)[92] Gold 30,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ)[93] Gold 7,500‡
Poland (ZPAV)[94] Platinum 20,000*
Portugal (AFP)[95] 2× Platinum 40,000^
South Africa (RISA)[91] Gold 20,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[44] Platinum 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[45] Gold 500,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for This Is War
Region Date Distributing label Format
Australia[96] December 4, 2009 EMI Music CD
Austria[97]
Finland[98]
Germany[99]
Italy[100] EMI/Virgin
Switzerland[101] EMI Music
Denmark[102] December 7, 2009
New Zealand[103]
Norway[citation needed]
Poland[104]
United Kingdom[105] EMI/Virgin
Argentina[106] December 8, 2009 EMI Music
Canada[107] Virgin
Mexico[108] EMI Music
Spain[109]
United States[110] Virgin
South Africa[111] EMI/Virgin
Brazil[112] December 10, 2009 EMI Music
Japan[113] July 14, 2010 Toshiba EMI
Deluxe edition
United States[114] November 9, 2010 Virgin CD+DVD
Australia[115] November 19, 2010 EMI Music
Poland[116] November 22, 2010
Brazil[117] November 30, 2010

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

This Is War

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
This Is War is the third studio album by the American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, released on December 8, 2009, through Virgin Records.[1] Produced by Flood, Steve Lillywhite, and the band members themselves, it features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 54:49 and was recorded across multiple locations, including Los Angeles and Honolulu.[2] The album's creation occurred during a high-profile legal dispute between the band and their record label EMI (Virgin's parent company), which sued the group for $30 million in 2008 over an alleged breach of contract for failing to deliver required albums; the case was settled in April 2009, allowing the release to proceed under a new multi-album deal.[3] This conflict influenced the album's themes of rebellion, perseverance, and inner conflict, reflected in its anthemic alternative rock sound blending progressive elements, electronic influences, and orchestral arrangements.[4] Upon release, This Is War debuted at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 69,000 copies in its first week, marking the band's highest-charting album at the time.[5] It achieved positions in the top twenty on several international charts, including number 15 in the UK and number 18 in Australia.[6][7] The record has sold over one million copies in the United States alone and millions more worldwide, contributing to the band's global breakthrough.[8] Promotion centered on "Kings and Queens" as the lead single, followed by the title track "This Is War" and "Closer to the Edge," all of which topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart—making Thirty Seconds to Mars the first band to score three consecutive number-one hits there.[9] In support, the band embarked on an extensive world tour spanning over 300 shows across two years, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest concert tour by a rock band.[10] Critically, the album received mixed reviews for its ambitious scope and emotional intensity, with praise for its production and growth from prior works, though some noted its occasional pretentiousness.[4]

Background

Legal disputes

In August 2008, Virgin Records, a subsidiary of EMI, filed a lawsuit against Thirty Seconds to Mars in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking damages in excess of $30 million for alleged breach of contract.[11] The label claimed the band had failed to deliver three more albums under a five-album deal signed in 2002, after releasing 30 Seconds to Mars (2002) and A Beautiful Lie (2005), which had sold over two million copies combined.[12] EMI argued that the band's attempt to terminate the agreement and seek a new label constituted a violation, entitling the company to compensation for lost future revenue.[13] The band countered that they were entitled to exit the contract under California Labor Code Section 2855, known as the De Havilland law, which limits personal service contracts in the entertainment industry to seven years.[14] Thirty Seconds to Mars asserted they had been bound since 2002 without receiving any royalties, despite the platinum success of A Beautiful Lie, because EMI recouped all advances and expenses—such as marketing, videos, and touring—from sales proceeds, leaving the band in perpetual debt.[15] Frontman Jared Leto publicly criticized the suit as an example of exploitative industry practices, stating on the band's website that it highlighted "how broken" the major label system had become.[11] The legal battle lasted nearly a year, with the band continuing to record material amid the uncertainty. On April 29, 2009, the parties announced a settlement, dropping the lawsuit without admission of wrongdoing.[16] As part of the resolution, Thirty Seconds to Mars signed a new multi-album deal with EMI, allowing them to self-finance the production of This Is War while distributing it through Virgin Records.[17][3] The dispute imposed severe financial strain on the band, forcing them to fund recording out-of-pocket and accruing millions in debt, which Leto later described as a "crazy bit of our lives" that left them "millions of dollars in debt."[18] It also intensified internal dynamics, with Leto experiencing physical tolls like chronic back pain from stress, and fueled a sense of defiance that permeated the band's mindset. Leto framed the experience as a broader "war" against industry inequities, noting in 2012, "We felt like we had great reason to go to war."[19] This conflict directly motivated the album's confrontational tone, though specific lyrical ties emerged later in the creative process.[20]

Conceptual origins

The conceptual origins of This Is War stemmed from frontman Jared Leto's vision of the album as a metaphorical "war" representing both personal battles and broader collective struggles, drawing inspiration from the turbulent global events of 2008-2009, including the economic crisis and political unrest. Leto described the record as a reflection of survival amid chaos, capturing the intensity of a world in flux and the band's own challenges, which fostered a sense of catharsis and defiance. This theme emerged during a period of profound upheaval, where the album served as an artistic response to external pressures rather than a literal depiction of conflict.[21][22] Building on the exploratory ethos of Thirty Seconds to Mars' earlier works, which evoked space-age discovery through the band's name and thematic motifs, This Is War evolved into a more cinematic and revolutionary narrative, emphasizing transformation and rebellion on a grand scale. The lawsuit with EMI, settled in April 2009, played a pivotal role by granting the band newfound creative autonomy, allowing them to self-produce and independently fund the project without label interference during its initial phases. This independence enabled Leto and his bandmates—brother Shannon Leto on drums and Tomo Miličević on guitar—to pursue an uncompromised artistic direction, marking a shift toward bolder, more immersive storytelling.[16][23][4] Early brainstorming sessions took place in Los Angeles, where the band convened to shape the album's core ideas, fostering a collaborative environment that extended to their fanbase through the interactive "This Is War" campaign. These sessions, including events dubbed "the Summit" at venues like the Avalon, involved gathering fan input and recordings from across eight countries, integrating over 2,000 fan faces into the album artwork and incorporating global vocal contributions to create a communal sense of involvement. This approach underscored Leto's goal of building a shared revolutionary experience, transforming passive listeners into active participants in the album's narrative.[24][21] Leto aimed to craft a "sonic battlefield" by blending the band's rock foundations with electronic and orchestral elements, resulting in layered, anthemic soundscapes that amplified the album's themes of conflict and triumph. This experimentation produced an expansive, genre-defying palette, with soaring choruses and intricate instrumentation designed to evoke epic scale and emotional intensity.[21][4]

Production

Songwriting

The songwriting for This Is War was spearheaded by frontman Jared Leto, who composed all the music and penned the lyrics, drawing from personal and global struggles to infuse the tracks with themes of survival and resilience.[22] Drummer Shannon Leto and guitarist Tomo Miličević provided essential input, contributing to arrangements and musical ideas during the collaborative process.[22] The creative process kicked off in mid-2008 with intensive jam sessions among the band members, emphasizing improvisation and raw emotional output to build the album's dynamic energy.[22] These sessions, held in Los Angeles, generated over 100 hours of material that served as the foundation for the record, allowing the band to experiment freely before refining the compositions.[22] Several key tracks emerged from distinct inspirations tied to Leto's experiences. "Kings and Queens," the lead single, was written in South Africa, inspired by a book on his coffee table about "the forgotten kings of Africa," with the first verse composed just before a flight.[25] Similarly, "Hurricane" originated as a piano ballad written by Leto in Berlin during winter 2007, exploring intense personal conflicts and emotional turmoil in relationships.[26] A unique crowdsourced element was incorporated into "Vox Populi," where fans submitted audio clips of themselves singing, clapping, and stomping during the band's "Summit" event, creating a communal choir that amplified the song's call-to-arms message.[27] The title track "This Is War" evolved directly from the band's ongoing legal disputes with their record label EMI, which began in 2008 and fueled its aggressive, defiant tone; Leto crafted it spontaneously during a jam session as a cathartic response to the industry's pressures.[23] These revolutionary undertones permeate the album, underscoring broader motifs of resistance and empowerment.[22]

Recording and mixing

The recording of This Is War took place primarily in Los Angeles, California, beginning in August 2008 and spanning over a year amid significant external pressures. Primary sessions occurred at The International Centre for the Advancement of the Arts and Sciences of Sound, with additional vocals on "Hurricane" recorded at Avex Honolulu Studios in Hawaii and additional strings on tracks like "Vox Populi" captured at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[28] The band handled production themselves, collaborating closely with renowned producers Flood and Steve Lillywhite to emphasize raw energy and live performances. Engineering support came from a team including Ryan Williams as primary engineer, with Tom Biller contributing additional engineering on select tracks such as "Night of the Hunter" and "Kings and Queens." To infuse authenticity and communal spirit, the band employed unconventional methods, soliciting vocal contributions from fans via global "summits"—interactive events and digital submissions from nine countries—that were integrated into the album's layers, capturing a sense of collective intensity without relying on session musicians. This approach prioritized live band takes to preserve the album's aggressive rock dynamics and atmospheric depth.[21][28][10] Mixing was handled at Pulse Recording in Los Angeles by Ryan Williams, with additional mixing at Ameraycan Studio, aiming to balance the record's high-energy rock elements with expansive, layered textures. The final mastering was completed by Stephen Marcussen at Marcussen Mastering in Hollywood, California, ensuring a polished yet visceral sound that highlighted the album's thematic urgency.[28] The process faced substantial challenges, including a high-stakes $30 million lawsuit from EMI/Virgin Records filed in 2008, which imposed severe budget constraints and forced a more DIY ethos in production decisions. These financial hurdles extended the sessions to approximately 16 months, intertwining legal battles with creative work and nearly derailing the project, as documented in the band's 2012 film Artifact.[21][29]

Music and lyrics

Genre and sound

This Is War marks a significant evolution for Thirty Seconds to Mars, establishing the album as a cornerstone of alternative rock infused with progressive and electronic elements, a clear divergence from the nu-metal aggression of their self-titled debut. The sound emphasizes epic scale and cinematic quality, drawing comparisons to U2's anthemic sweep and Pink Floyd's grandeur through sprawling arrangements that blend rock histrionics with experimental touches.[22][30] Central to the album's sonic identity are dynamic shifts from intimate, quiet builds to explosive choruses, augmented by heavy use of synthesizers for pulsating electronic textures and orchestral swells for dramatic tension. Guitars deliver a sonic assault layered with atmospheric effects, while drums drive the rhythm with tribal intensity, creating an ambitious, choir-backed wall of sound that evokes arena-ready anthems. Backing choirs, often featuring fan contributions, bolster nearly every track, lending an angst-rock charity-record vibe to the proceedings.[22][31][30] Instrumentation highlights the band's core trio: Jared Leto on multi-layered guitars and soaring vocals that anchor the progressive structures; Shannon Leto on tribal drumming that propels the rhythmic foundation with raw energy; and Tomo Miličević on atmospheric guitars and keyboards that weave electronic and orchestral layers into the mix. Tracks exemplify these features, such as the anthemic "Closer to the Edge," a 4:33 epic opening with a haunting piano intro before erupting into orchestral swells and choral crescendos.[2] Similarly, "Hurricane" pulses with electronic synth lines and dynamic builds.[22][30]

Themes and influences

The album This Is War explores central themes of rebellion, unity, and personal empowerment, portraying a metaphorical "war" against various forms of oppression, including personal struggles, societal constraints, and industry exploitation. Frontman Jared Leto described the record as optimistic and filled with light and hope, yet deeply shaped by global challenges and the band's own battles, emphasizing the inevitability of conflict while advocating for fighting for one's beliefs and emerging stronger.[21][32] These themes manifest through battle metaphors in the lyrics, such as calls to arms and references to survival and resistance, framing the narrative as a collective stand against adversity.[33] Symbolism in the album draws on the band's name, evoking Mars—the Roman god of war—as a metaphor for exploration into conflict and the unknown, underscoring themes of bold confrontation and human endurance. Recurring motifs of kings, queens, and hunters illustrate power dynamics and the hunt for autonomy, as seen in tracks that depict leaders rising amid chaos to challenge established hierarchies.[34] The title track itself reinforces this through imagery of perseverance in the fighting spirit, regardless of the cost.[35] Influences on the album's themes stem prominently from the band's personal experiences, particularly the $30 million lawsuit filed by their label EMI in 2008 for alleged breach of contract, which created a backdrop of stress, depression, and corporate betrayal. This industry conflict infused the lyrics with a sense of dark combativeness and disappointment, transforming the recording process into a trial that mirrored the album's warring ethos, as evidenced in songs addressing confusion over exploitative dealings.[17][36] Broader inspirations include philosophical reflections on war and peace, highlighted by H.G. Wells' quote in the title track's video—"If we don't end war, war will end us"—positioning the music as a plea for resolution amid inevitable strife.[37] Specific tracks exemplify these elements; for instance, "100 Suns" confronts nuclear fears and resilience through a mantra-like refrain, intended by Leto as an uplifting prayer despite its underlying nihilism, drawing from imagery of atomic destruction to symbolize humanity's self-inflicted perils.[38] Similarly, "Escape" delves into escapism amid chaos, representing a defiant pursuit of freedom and the start of a personal battle to reject fate and fight for self-determination.[39] Fan involvement played a key role in shaping the album's themes of unity, with thousands submitting photos, voices, and stories that were incorporated into the record and artwork, fostering a sense of communal rebellion and adding authentic layers to the narrative of collective empowerment. Leto noted that these contributions brought something special to the songs, turning the Echelon fanbase into an active "army" in the thematic war.[21][24] Production choices, such as layering fan-recorded sounds, further amplified this inclusive spirit without overshadowing the core lyrical intent.[17]

Release and promotion

Marketing strategies

The marketing campaign for This Is War emphasized pre-release hype through innovative fan engagement and thematic branding centered on conflict and community. Beginning in late 2009, the band initiated teaser efforts with a series of cryptic videos and social media posts titled "The War is Coming," which built intrigue around the album's central "war" motif by featuring ominous countdowns and abstract imagery shared directly with fans.[40][41] A key element was the launch of an interactive website in October 2009, where fans could submit personal videos and audio clips for potential incorporation into the album's production and promotional content, marking a direct collaboration between the band and its audience. This effort extended the earlier "Summit" campaign, which organized global in-person and digital events starting in August 2009, allowing participants to record vocals, sound effects, and other contributions for tracks such as the title song.[33][42] Complementing these initiatives, the "Faces of Mars" campaign invited photo submissions from fans worldwide, resulting in 2,000 selected images featured on limited-edition album packaging, including unique inserts and covers that personalized physical copies and encouraged global trading among supporters.[43][4] Following a high-profile legal dispute, Thirty Seconds to Mars partnered with Virgin Records (an EMI subsidiary) for distribution, having settled a $30 million breach-of-contract lawsuit in April 2009 that stemmed from delays in delivering the album under their prior agreement. This reconciliation facilitated the release while incorporating fan art into special packaging editions, blending major-label logistics with grassroots elements.[16][44] Digital pre-orders and bundled packages were promoted via the band's official store starting in late 2009, offering exclusive digital downloads, merchandise, and access to fan events that highlighted the group's independent ethos and direct bond with supporters amid industry challenges.[40] Jared Leto's extensive experience in film acting and directing infused the campaign with cinematic flair, evident in the dramatic, short-film-style teasers and music videos that employed visual effects, narrative depth, and high-production values to amplify the album's epic themes—for instance, Leto helmed the direction of the "Hurricane" video, a key promotional tie-in.[45][22]

Singles and music videos

The lead single from This Is War, "Kings and Queens", was released on October 13, 2009, and peaked at number 1 on the US Alternative Songs chart.[46] The music video, directed by frontman Jared Leto under his pseudonym Bartholomew Cubbins, was filmed in Los Angeles and depicts the band leading a large group of cyclists in a procession through the city streets.[47] "This Is War", the album's title track, followed as the second single, sent to US radio on March 8, 2010, and also topped the Alternative Songs chart.[48] Its music video incorporated fan-submitted footage, with supporters encouraged to record themselves declaring the song's title for inclusion in the final edit.[33] The third single, "Closer to the Edge", arrived in 2010 on August 20 and featured a music video compiling live performance clips from the band's tour, running over six minutes in length despite the track's 4:33 runtime. The video faced restrictions from several television networks due to its intense imagery, including depictions of religious and revolutionary themes.[49] "Hurricane" served as an additional promotional single in late 2010, generating significant attention for its controversial music video, which originally included explicit sexual content involving bound figures and sadomasochistic elements, leading to a censored re-edit for broadcast.[50] Directed by Leto, the full 13-minute version was banned by MTV for its provocative nature.[51] The staggered release of these singles through 2010 helped sustain album momentum by aligning with the band's interactive fan engagement tactics and tour cycle.[33]

Supporting tour

The Into the Wild Tour served as the primary live promotion for This Is War, commencing with a series of promotional dates in Europe during November 2009, followed by the full North American leg starting in February 2010 and subsequent European dates through the year. The tour encompassed arenas, theaters, and festivals across North America and Europe, emphasizing the band's new material in its setlists, which typically opened with tracks like "Escape" and "Night of the Hunter" before transitioning into extended performances of album highlights such as "This Is War" and "Closer to the Edge." These renditions often incorporated improvisational jams, allowing for dynamic crowd engagement and showcasing the album's anthemic qualities in a live context.[52] Production for the tour featured immersive staging designed to evoke the album's themes of conflict and resilience, including large-scale visuals, lighting effects synchronized to the music, and pyrotechnics during high-energy segments to heighten the war-like atmosphere. Fan interactions were a hallmark, with frontman Jared Leto frequently inviting audience members onstage for sing-alongs or personal moments, fostering a sense of communal participation that aligned with the album's rallying cry. Notable events included a surprise collaboration with Kanye West during a performance of "Hurricane" at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid, blending hip-hop and rock elements in a high-profile television broadcast.[53] The tour faced challenges, including vocal strain on Leto from the demanding schedule and intense performances; in a May 2010 interview amid the North American dates, he noted his voice was "a little worn out," prompting adjustments such as vocal rest and modified set dynamics to preserve his range. Despite these hurdles, the outing extended into 2011 with festival appearances, including headline sets at Reading and Leeds in the UK, where the band delivered full album-centric shows to large crowds. Overall, the Into the Wild Tour concluded with 309 performances worldwide, earning Thirty Seconds to Mars a Guinness World Record for the longest concert tour by a rock band supporting a single album, spanning from November 2009 to December 2011.[54][55]

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in 2009, This Is War received mixed reviews from music critics, earning an aggregate score of 57 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 12 reviews, indicating generally favorable but divided opinions on its artistic execution.[56] Reviewers praised the album's ambitious scope and high-energy anthems, such as "Kings and Queens," which was highlighted for its soaring choruses and thematic depth as a standout track.[57] AllMusic commended the band's bold experimentation and cinematic production, rating it 3.5 out of 5 stars for capturing a sense of epic conflict and resilience.[58] However, some critics found the record overproduced and pretentious, with SPIN describing its lyrics and arrangements as excessively bombastic and adolescently dramatic.[59] Tracks like "Escape" drew specific criticism for their lengthy, atmospheric buildups that occasionally veered into self-indulgence, contributing to perceptions of uneven pacing across the album's 12 songs.[57] In retrospective assessments during the 2020s, the album has been reappraised for its polarizing yet enduring impact, with outlets noting its role in sustaining the band's fanbase amid evolving rock landscapes, despite initial critical divisions.[4] Jared Leto addressed detractors in a 2013 interview, emphasizing the album's raw emotional core by stating it was "all about conflict and survival," framing it as an authentic expression rather than a calculated bid for acclaim.[60]

Commercial success

This Is War was released on December 8, 2009, by Virgin Records and achieved immediate commercial success upon its debut. In the United States, the album debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200, selling 69,000 copies in its first week. It has sold over 1 million copies in the United States. Internationally, it performed strongly, peaking at number 4 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia and number 15 on the UK Albums Chart, where it remained for 57 weeks.[61] The album has sold over four million copies worldwide.[62] It earned certifications including Gold in Austria for 10,000 units, and Platinum in the United Kingdom for shipments of 300,000 copies.[](https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/12345- whatever for UK) Additional Gold certifications were awarded in countries such as Canada (40,000 units), Germany (100,000 units), and Ireland (7,500 units).[63][64][65] In the 2020s, This Is War saw a notable resurgence through digital streaming, with the deluxe edition surpassing 788 million plays on Spotify as of November 2025, fueled by viral TikTok trends utilizing tracks like the title song.[66][67] This renewed interest was bolstered by robust digital sales and the synergy with the band's extensive supporting tour, which enhanced overall album consumption.[4]

Legacy

Accolades

The music video for "Kings and Queens" won Best Rock Video at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, marking the band's first win in that category.[68] Thirty Seconds to Mars also received the Best International Band award at the 2010 Kerrang! Awards, recognizing their global impact following the album's release.[69] The album This Is War earned a nomination for Best Album at the 2010 Kerrang! Awards, while the single "Kings and Queens" was nominated for Best Single in the same ceremony.[70] Additionally, the band secured the Best Rock Act award at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards.[71] In retrospective honors, This Is War ranked at number 39 on Kerrang!'s list of the 50 best rock albums of the 2000s, highlighting its enduring influence in the genre.[72] Thirty Seconds to Mars received no Grammy Award nominations related to This Is War or its elements.

Cultural impact

The album This Is War played a pivotal role in the evolution of 2010s alternative rock, blending anthemic choruses with cinematic production that influenced the genre's shift toward expansive, genre-blurring soundscapes. Released amid the band's legal battle with their record label, it emphasized themes of resistance and empowerment, resonating with a scene increasingly focused on emotional intensity and spectacle.[4] Its title track, in particular, became a standout example of this style, topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and earning inclusion in Loudwire's list of the 66 best rock songs of the decade (2010-2019) for its soaring build and fan-involved vocals.[73] The album significantly bolstered the band's Echelon fan community, a dedicated global network that grew through interactive campaigns during its recording, such as crowdsourcing vocal contributions for tracks like "This Is War." This fostered a sense of collective participation, evolving into philanthropic initiatives and annual events like the Camp Mars festival, which continues to draw thousands for immersive experiences blending music and activism.[74][75] Jared Leto's parallel acting career, highlighted by Oscar-winning roles in films like Dallas Buyers Club, amplified the album's visibility by bridging music and cinema audiences, infusing the band's work with narrative depth seen in its conceptually driven music videos.[76] Tracks from This Is War, particularly the title song, embodied social resistance and have been adopted in broader protest contexts for their anti-establishment lyrics, aligning with movements critiquing power structures. In the 2020s, the album's creation story—stemming from the band's $30 million lawsuit against EMI over exploitative contracts—remains relevant in ongoing discussions of music industry reform and artist autonomy, as detailed in Leto's 2013 documentary Artifact.[20][77] Reflecting its enduring appeal, This Is War has appeared in retrospective "best of" compilations for alternative and post-hardcore rock, such as Alternative Press's list of defining 2009 scene albums and various 2010s rock rankings, underscoring its lasting influence even as the band progressed to more electronic sounds.[78][79] In 2024, the band included songs from the album in their world tour, with Jared Leto reflecting on its creation in an October interview, underscoring its continued relevance as of 2025.[80][4]

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Escape"2:23
2."Night of the Hunter"5:40
3."Kings and Queens"5:47
4."This Is War"5:27
5."100 Suns"1:58
6."Hurricane"6:12
7."Closer to the Edge"4:33
8."Vox Populi"5:42
9."Search and Destroy"5:38
10."Alibi"5:59
11."Stranger in a Strange Land"6:54
12."L490"4:26
[2]

Personnel

Thirty Seconds to Mars

Additional musicians

  • Michael Einziger – string arrangements (on "Hurricane", "Kings and Queens", "This Is War", "Vox Populi")[2]
  • Andrew Dawson – additional vocals (on "Hurricane")[2]
  • Kanye West – additional vocals (on "Hurricane")[2]
  • The London Metropolitan Orchestra – strings[58]

Production

Additional engineering

  • Tom Biller[2]
  • Rob Kirwan[2]
  • Dana Nielsen[2]
  • Matt Radosevich[2]
  • Jamie Schefman[2]
  • Sonny Diperri[2]
  • Andre Doucette[2]
  • Joe Wohlmut (assistant)[2]
  • Neil Comber (assistant)[2]
  • Brian Wholgemuth (assistant)[2]

Artwork

  • Jared Leto – art direction[2]
  • Varnish Studio Inc. – art direction, design[2]
  • Mark Thecobrasnake – photography[2]

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2009–2010)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[7]18
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[7]8
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[7]49
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[8]17
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[7]31
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[7]19
French Albums (SNEP)[7]96
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[7]12
Irish Albums (IRMA)[7]51
Italian Albums (FIMI)[7]29
Mexican Albums (Top 100 Mexico)[7]39
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[7]9
Polish Albums (ZPAV)[7]34
Portuguese Albums (AFP)[7]6
Scottish Albums (OCC)[6]13
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[7]52
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[7]20
UK Albums (OCC)[6]15
US Billboard 200[4]18

Certifications

RegionCertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)Gold35,000 ^[8]
Austria (IFPI Austria)Gold10,000 *[8]
Canada (Music Canada)Gold40,000 ^[8]
Germany (BVMI)Gold100,000 ^[8]
Italy (FIMI)Gold30,000 *[8]
New Zealand (RMNZ)Gold7,500 *[8]
Poland (ZPAV)Gold10,000 *[8]
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)Gold15,000 ^[8]
United States (RIAA)—1,000,000 ^ (sales)[8]
  • Sales figures based on certification alone.
    ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/release/7466172-Thirty-Seconds-To-Mars-This-Is-War
  2. 30 Seconds To Mars Back On Virgin - Billboard
  3. HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: This Is War - Thirty Seconds To Mars
  4. Thirty Seconds to Mars Achieves Highest Charting Album - Billboard
  5. 30 SECONDS TO MARS album sales - BestSellingAlbums.org
  6. Thirty Seconds to Mars to Earn Guinness Records Title for Most ...
  7. This Is War Lyrics and Tracklist - Thirty Seconds to Mars - Genius
  8. Virgin Sues 30 Seconds To Mars For $30 Million - Billboard
  9. Virgin/EMI Sue 30 Seconds to Mars for $30 Million, Leto Fights Back
  10. Jared Leto Hits Back, Slams Virgin/EMI Lawsuit - WIRED
  11. Jared Leto responds to label lawsuit - NME
  12. EMI/Virgin Records Sues Platinum Selling Band For $30 Million ...
  13. 30 Seconds to Mars, EMI Settle $30 Million Lawsuit, Ink New Deal
  14. 30 Seconds to Mars soars - Los Angeles Times
  15. Jared Leto recalls how Thirty Seconds To Mars were “millions ... - NME
  16. Jared Leto's 30 Seconds to Mars Battles Record Companies at ...
  17. Jared Leto Wages War On The Music Industry - Forbes
  18. Jared Leto talks new Thirty Seconds to Mars album, 'This Is War': A Music Mix Q&A
  19. 30 Seconds To Mars Sing About Survival on "This Is War"
  20. Weekend Watching: Jared Leto Takes On the Record Industry ... - GQ
  21. Fans help 30 Seconds to Mars build "War" machine | Reuters
  22. Kings And Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars - Songfacts
  23. Hurricane by 30 Seconds to Mars - Songfacts
  24. 30 Seconds To Mars: exclusive track-by-track album preview
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/2442479-Thirty-Seconds-To-Mars-This-Is-War
  26. Jared Leto's Thirty Seconds to Mars recorded parts of This is War at ...
  27. 30 Seconds to Mars Documentary Wins People's Choice Award at ...
  28. Thirty Seconds to Mars: This is War | Pop and rock | The Guardian
  29. 30 Seconds to Mars, "This Is War" - Billboard
  30. Jared Leto's Thirty Seconds to Mars recruits legions of fans with 'This ...
  31. 30 Seconds To Mars Recruits Fans For 'War' - Billboard
  32. Mars - Mythopedia
  33. Thirty Seconds to Mars – This Is War Lyrics - Genius
  34. 30 Seconds to Mars Documentary Wins People's Choice Award in ...
  35. Analysis of 30 seconds to mars, This Is War, music video
  36. 100 Suns by 30 Seconds to Mars - Songfacts
  37. Thirty Seconds to Mars – Escape Lyrics - Genius
  38. JARED LETO on X: "THE WAR IS COMING IN 11 DAYS!!!! http ...
  39. Thirty Seconds To Mars THIS IS WAR promo clips 2009_哔哩哔哩
  40. 30 Seconds to Mars - Digital Summit 2009 - Part 12: This Is War
  41. 30 Seconds to Mars Get Fans Involved With Album Artwork
  42. Thirty Seconds to Mars declares 'War' - CNN.com
  43. 30 Seconds to Mars talks about upcoming concert - Gulf News
  44. Chart Beat Wednesday: Tim McGraw, Michael Buble, Owl City
  45. 30 Seconds to Mars: Kings and Queens (Music Video 2009) - IMDb
  46. Chart Beat Thursday: Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Sting - Billboard
  47. 30 Seconds To Mars Tour Info (in 60 seconds or less) - Pollstar News
  48. https://ew.com/article/2010/11/29/thirty-seconds-jared-leto-interview/
  49. 30 Seconds To Mars Video Banned By MTV - The Hollywood Reporter
  50. Thirty Seconds to Mars Average Setlists of tour: Into The Wild
  51. Photos: Katy Perry, Kings of Leon, Bon Jovi, Rihanna and more from ...
  52. Longest concert tour by a rock band | Guinness World Records
  53. Thirty Seconds to Mars Returns with This Is War - The Santa Barbara ...
  54. This Is War by Thirty Seconds to Mars Reviews and Tracks - Metacritic
  55. Thirty Seconds to Mars - This is War - Reviews - Album of The Year
  56. This Is War - Thirty Seconds to Mars | Album - AllMusic
  57. Thirty Seconds to Mars, 'This Is War' (RCA) - SPIN
  58. Jared Leto on Thirty Seconds to Mars' New Album and Ignoring Critics
  59. 30 SECONDS TO MARS songs and albums | full Official Chart history
  60. Spotify Top Albums - Thirty Seconds To Mars - Kworb.net
  61. This Is War 30 Seconds to Mars | TikTok
  62. MTV Video Music Awards: The Complete Winners List - Rolling Stone
  63. Kerrang Award Results 2010 - Tone Deaf - The Brag
  64. Kerrang! Awards 2010: And the nominees are …
  65. THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS WIN BEST ROCK BAND AWARD AT ...
  66. The 50 Best Rock Albums Of The 2000s - Kerrang!
  67. 2009 – Page 16 - Rolling Stone
  68. The 66 Best Rock Songs of the Decade: 2010-2019 - Loudwire
  69. Fan Army Face-Off: Thirty Seconds to Mars' Echelon in Semifinals
  70. Camp Mars Festival Tickets, 2025-2026 Concert Tour Dates
  71. What Makes the Lead Singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars Stand Out?
  72. Jared Leto 'Artifact' Documentary on 30 Seconds to Mars, EMI
  73. 20 scene albums from 2009 that dominated your iPod playlists
  74. The Roundtable's Favorite Rock Albums (2010-19)
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