Dimensional physics aside, it is a fair bet that Peter Tägtgren could belch "Due Gamla, Du Fria" and it would sound epically metal in nature. However, _You Only Live Twice_ doesn't seem to be the beneficiary of that talent. Typical keyboards provide the underlying flow throughout _YOLT_ heavily layered with catchy tempos and riffs, yet this offering comes off slightly less intense than you one might expect from an outfit like Pain; especially from a band that exploded 2008's _Cynic Paradise_ upon the metal-loving community. While adequately delivered with some blackened harsh and clean vocals alike, "Leave Me Alone" demonstrates this keen lack of typical Pain piss and vinegar.

_YOLT_ seems like the vehicle Tägtgren has recently opted for in an effort to explore, and possibly expand, his vocal style. To that point, there is a stellar example on this release: "Dirty Woman". Guaranteed that it is -not- Udo Dirkschneider from Accept on vocals, because this isn't a Lordi release, right? But damn if the vocals didn't invoke an image or two of "Midnight Mover". "Dirty Woman" is wrought with a guilty, radio-friendly pleasure and silly juvenile Kiss-esque lyrics, a la "Have a Drink on Me" from _Cynic Paradise_, but Pain's signature riffy fingerprints are all over this track, as well.

Not to put too fine of a point on it, _You Only Live Twice_ is every bit an emblematic Pain release. That said, just about any of their previous efforts would be a preferable choice for a CD spin in your player or for new fans to purchase prior to _YOLT_. Add this album only to complete you Pain collection, but don't begin it with _You Only Live Twice_.

It is time now to get out Hypocrisy's _Osculum Obscenum_ or Lock Up's _Pleasures Pave Sewers_ to balance out all this Pain for the moment; _The Other Side_ from The Abyss might be an overcorrection for the time being, but tomorrow for sure!