30 Seconds to Mars

Initially known as an actor (most notably on the '90s TV drama My So-Called Life and in movies like Requiem for a Dream), Jared Leto also had musical ambitions. His band, 30 Seconds To Mars, debuted in 2002 with a self-titled effort featuring a post-grunge sound suggestive of groups like Chevelle or Incubus. 30 Seconds returned three years later with A Beautiful Lie, an emotional album thematically based around the concept of change. By that point the lineup had shifted a little, slotting in Tomo Milicevic at guitar alongside Leto's vocals and guitar, his brother Shannon Leto on drums, and bassist Matt Wachter. Constant touring and an expanding fan base set the stage for a nomination for MTV's 2006 Best Rock Video for "The Kill." ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide