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Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars played a fan-centric show at the Ogden Theatre on Wednesday. Photo by Jennifer Cohen.

Two days into their first American tour in over two years, 30 Seconds to Mars took fans on a fantastic journey through their three-album history, playing to a sold-out crowd at the Ogden last night. Four years after “A Beautiful Lie,” their sophomore album, went multi-platinum, 30 STM is back on tour to support their upcoming album, “This is War,” set to drop on December 8.

View a full photo gallery of this concert here.

Opening the night with “A Beautiful Lie,” 30 Seconds to Mars’ Jared Leto, (vocals, guitar), Shannon Leto, (drums) and Tomo Milicevic, (guitar), treated fans to an energetic performance, belting out songs from their self-titled debut album, as well as “A Beautiful Lie,” and two from their soon-to-be released album, “This is War.”

Singing crowd favorites, “Attack,” “From Yesterday” and “Battle of One,” the emotive singer didn’t disappoint. Leto’s vocals were clean and strong, reaching impressive ranges effortlessly.

Referring to Colorado, Leto fired up the crowd saying, “Colorado is one of my favorite places on the planet… this place is the f***in’ s**t!” He bravely entered the pool of screaming fans, shouting, “Scream your f***in’ asses off!” They did, and suddenly Leto hovered above the crowd as if lifted by its’ collective energy.

Despite their apparent dire thirst, “My god, is it always this dry in Denver? You never have spit or snot!” the band played a tireless show, and there was no lack of energy as Milicevic continuously jumped around the stage.

Giving Milicevic and brother Shannon a water break, Leto took down the lights, and sat down for a mellow acoustic version of “Capricorn.” He then went into a ballad-esque rendition of “The Kill,” only to stop half way, rousing the crowds’ energy and curiosity. The rest of the band came back, adequately hydrated, and stepped up “The Kill” with the hard-driving riffs we’re used to hearing.

I have to take a moment here to address what Death Cab for Cutie singer Ben Gibbard recently said about 30 STM, that “Leto is a professional actor, and is therefore acting the part of a singer, and that’s what people embrace.” Indeed, Leto is a professional actor. He has found success in more than one arena. It’s called talent. Embrace that, DCC.

Anyway: from their inception, 30 STM has always been generous with their fans, providing a meet and greet after every concert. Wednesday was no exception. Every person who lined up was met with actual eye contact and a sincere thank you. The respect between the fans and the band was palpable.

If the two tracks they played tonight are indicators of what is to come on Dec. 8, “This is War” will secure the already stable home among fans and critics alike.

View a full photo gallery of this concert here.

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Jennifer Cohen is a Lakewood-based freelance photographer and contributor to Reverb. Check out her website.