Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Pain - Nothing Remains the Same (2002)

In 1997, Hypocrisy frontman Peter Tägtgren released an album that would show his attempt at fusing metal with techno-industrial in the debut for his side-project Pain. This would followed by the project's second album Rebirth two years later in which the industrial electronics became more prominent. And then we get to their 2002 third album Nothing Remains the Same in which, despite sounding kinda the same as Rebirth, is still amazing!

There are 11 tracks in this album, but if you get the limited edition, you may witness 3 bonus tracks and a music video for one of the singles. Of course, we'll start with the main part of the album and keep going from there.

You'll already be in for a ride when the opening track "It's Only Them" packs some punches. Peter has really picked up where he left off from Rebirth, as the mix of riffing and electronics are kept intact. "Shut Your Mouth" is a high-quality industrial dance-metal tune! I can play this song as many times as I can and have good memories. And there are plenty more awesome anthems from this album coming up. Well, not really "Close Your Eyes", but it's not bad at all. Next song "Just Hate Me" is co-written with two well-known producers and former members of It's Alive; Per Aldeheim and Max Martin, the latter famous for having written songs for the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and NSYNC. It's not as poppy as those artists, don't worry. The following track "Injected Paradise" is more mellow. Slightly problematic, yet still great.

Then there's a cover of the Beatles hit "Eleanor Rigby". Peter has really enhanced the song with industrial fury and even hired an orchestra to add some symphonic beauty. "Expelled" seems to drag a bit in the synths and guitars, but it's still enjoyable without anything too dull. Otherwise, the album rating would be lower. We then breeze through "Pull Me Under" (unrelated to Dream Theater's greatest hit) which offers a solid rock-out sound. There's no doubt that "Save Me" would be another incredible highlight, greatly exemplifying all the typical aspects of Pain.

Marching through is "The Game" which has more of the best from the band, similar to both the previous album Rebirth and Rammstein. The closing track "Fade Away" brings back the orchestra as the song goes on in a relaxed pace. Now it's time for the bonus tracks, starting with "Hate Me", which is similar in title to one of the earlier highlights but a different song. It is followed by the speedy industrial "Liar". Finally, "Give It Up" is filled with fast aggression, and I think this should've been part of the original album.

There's no mistaking Pain's sound. Nothing Remains the Same has a lot that fans of the band could ask for and be grateful for. And after 3 years of waiting for that album, the earlier fans were all pumped for a more spectacular album that would come 3 years later. You know which one I'm talking about, so see ya there!

Favorites: "It's Only Them", "Shut Your Mouth", "Just Hate Me", "Eleanor Rigby", "Save Me", "The Game", "Give It Up"