With frontman Jared Leto at the helm, post-grunge band 30 Seconds to Mars wasn't off to a bad start when they made their debut in 2002. Known for his roles in ‘90s angst-drama My So-Called Life and the harrowing film Requiem for a Dream, Leto followed the lead of bands like Incubus and Chevelle when he started his own group with brother Shannon in 1998. Although 30 Seconds to Mars' popularity was initially fueled by Leto's stardom (and scruffy good looks,) the band eventually gained its own following based on its heavy emo-rock sound.

30 Seconds to Mars was released on Immortal (Virgin Records imprint) in 2002 and featured a string of radio-ready tunes that echoed Incubus. The band released their second album in 2007; A Beautiful Lie featured guitarist Tomo Milicevic and bassist Matt Wachter while the Leto brothers remained at their posts, Jared as lead vocalist and Shannon playing guitar. 30 Seconds to Mars supported their sophomore LP with constant touring and promotion which ultimately paid off as the album's single "The Kill" received an MTV nod for Best Rock Video.

Initially thwarted by the actor-turned-singer stigma, Jared Leto's post-grunge outfit soon proved that it could stand on its own two feet. 30 Seconds to Mars revealed a deeply personal side with their second album, 2007's A Beautiful Lie, which contained more musically progressive tracks. Despite his fervent efforts to distinguish himself as a singer from the actor best-known for his painful (in a good way) performances in such films like Requiem for a Dream and Fight Club, Leto's intense nature and reappearing dark mood are apparent in the music he makes for 30 Seconds to Mars, and that's not a bad thing.