'S&M2' is better than the first attempt from 20 years ago and certainly the new version will become another commercial success for the Metal veterans from the Bay Area. Some of the songs are actually done very well, although the entire album feels like band and orchestra playing next to each other more than performing together as a unit. Combining two pieces of a puzzle doesn't necessary create a great total and that's a bit the case with this release too. The idea of making such an album is awesome and leaving the comfort-zone a bit more would have added extra excitement. 'Let's play safe' is the focus more than leaving the known.