Influenced by artists as diverse as
Pink Floyd,
the Cure, and
Björk, emo outfit
30 Seconds to Mars' 2002 self-titled debut is a highly ambitious space-themed concept album produced by Bob Ezrin (
Lou Reed,
Pink Floyd) and Brian Virtue (
Jane's Addiction). Recorded in Los Angeles and featuring the singles "Capricorn (A Brand New Name)," and "Edge of the Earth," its 11 tracks are packed full of heavy, riff-laden guitars, prog metal beats, and Hollywood star Jared Leto's soaring vocals and sci-fi lyrics, making it one of the more convincing actor-turned-rock star efforts. [
30 Seconds to Mars was released on LP in 2016.] ~ Jon O'Brien