Formed in 1998 by frontman Jared Leto and his older brother, Thirty Seconds to Mars found success in the 2000s with its debut album, but it was the platinum-selling sophomore effort, A Beautiful Lie, that officially opened the flood gates in 2005, securing the band a frequent presence on MTV while paving the way for a number of successful tours. By placing all-access passes into 12 copies of the album, the bandmates also showed a savvy appreciation for marketing, which they revisited several years later by putting fans’ photographs on the cover of their third album, This Is War. Initially known for his work as an actor, Jared Leto decided to flex his musical muscles as he approached his 30s. He enlisted the help of his brother, drummer Shannon Leto, and co-founded 30 Seconds to Mars in 1998. The group made its studio debut four years later. The album convinced the bandmates to continue making music in spite of Jared Leto’s busy acting schedule, which had filled up with roles in Panic Room, Highway, American Pyscho and Requiem for a Dream. It took three years to record A Beautiful Lie, which widened the band’s sound by sampling from metal, neo-prog, and screamo. It also expanded the group’s audience by going platinum and spawning two Top 10 modern rock hits. This Is War, he band’s third album, was a stylistic return to the sound of their self-titled debut. It arrived in December 2009. They released Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams in 2013. Thirty Seconds to Mars continues to tour the world.