What makes The Kill by 30 Seconds to Mars notable?

The Kill gained notable commercial success, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and receiving critical acclaim for its ambitious sound. The title track also became a staple of the band's live performances and helped solidify their place within the early 2000s alternative rock revival. Released on January 24, 2006, The Kill marked a significant moment in 30 Seconds to Mars' career as their second studio album, following the self-titled debut. This album built on their emerging identity in the alternative rock scene, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining the emotional intensity of their earlier work.

How many songs are on The Kill?

The Kill has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Kill

30 Seconds to Mars · 2006

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

An atmospheric blend of soaring vocals and cinematic instrumentation that captures the tension between vulnerability and defiance.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Kill (Rebirth) — This track stands out as the album's centerpiece, combining haunting lyrics with powerful instrumentals that reflect themes of introspection and personal struggle.
→
The Story (iTunes live session) — This live rendition showcases the raw energy of the band, capturing an intimate performance that resonates with fans and highlights their dynamic presence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong vocal performances and atmospheric production but lacks depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The main track features a dynamic build, starting with soft vocals and gradually layering in instrumentation to create an expansive sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The Kill marked a significant moment in the band's rise to wider recognition.
Themes: identity crisis· emotional struggle· intimate fan connection
Career context: Released on January 24, 2006, The Kill marked a significant moment in 30 Seconds to Mars' career as their second studio album, following the self-titled debut. This album built on their emerging identity in the alternative rock scene, showcasing a more polished sound while retaining the emotional intensity of their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors: Muse· Linkin Park· The Killers