Samson - Head On + Shock Tactics (1980 + 1981) [Both studio albums with Bruce Dickinson]

Samson was a British hard rock band formed in 1977 by guitarist and vocalist Paul Samson. They are best known for their first albums with future Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson, then known as "Bruce Bruce", and drummer Thunderstick, who wore a leather mask and performed on stage in a metal cage. Drummer Clive Burr was also member of the band, both before and after his tenure with Iron Maiden. The group effectively disbanded with Paul Samson's death to cancer on August 9, 2002.

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Samson - Head On + Shock Tactics (1980 + 1981) [Both studio albums with Bruce Dickinson]

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Despite their origins as a bluesy hard-rock outfit, the members of Samson decided to jump the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) bandwagon, drafting a powerful young singer called Bruce Bruce (who later rose to fame as Bruce Dickinson with Iron Maiden) to give them much-needed visual and musical credibility. The scheme worked, and their first album, Head On, contains top-notch NWOBHM, featuring raw, energetic performances capped with often silly or naive lyrics. "Take It Like a Man", "Manwatcher", and "Hammerhead" sound especially awkward, but the hilarious "Take Me to Your Leader" makes it all seem wonderfully innocent. The first single, "Hard Times", is both catchy and aggressive, and the band shows off its chops on the drum-happy "Vice Versa" and the almost prog-rock "Walking Out On You". In a premonition of things to come, "Thunderburst" is little more than a modified version of Maiden's "Ides of March". Casual listeners are bound to find this album too raw and sonically dated, but for those keen on the NWOBHM genre, it's a worthy purchase.

~ Ed Rivadavia, all media guide

Tracklist:

01. Hard Times
02. Take It Like A Man
03. Vice Versa
04. Manwatcher
05. Too Close To Rock
06. Thunderburst
07. Hammerhead
08. Hunted
09. Take Me To Your Leader
10. Walking Out On You


all songs written by Samson except "6" Co-written with Steve Harris & arranged by Samson
Produced by Samson. Engineered by Paul "Chas" Watkins & Bob Brogila. Remixed by Craig Milliner
Recorded at Kingsway Recorders, London. Remixed at Trident Studios, London, United Kingdom.

• Bruce Bruce (Bruce Dickinson) - lead vocals
• Paul Samson - guitar, vocals
• Chris Aylmer - bass guitar
• Thunderstick (Barry Graham) - percussion, vocals

Original Release Date: 1980
Release Date: 2000
Format: Original Recording Reissued
Label: Air Raid Records
Catalog No.: AIR CD9

Samson's best album, 1981's Shock Tactics, was the last to feature singer Bruce Dickinson (then known simply as Bruce Bruce). The band's songwriting had improved and was comparable to other up-and-coming British heavy metal bands at the time, such as Saxon, Diamond Head, and Iron Maiden. The band also benefited greatly by the presence of producer Tony Platt, known for his work with AC/DC, among other heavy metal acts. Kicking off with their best-known song, "Riding with the Angels" (penned by ex-Argent singer Russ Ballard), other highlights include "Earth Mother", "Blood Lust", and "Communion". "Nice Girl", however, treads on Spinal Tap-territory with it's woefully cliched and predictable lyrics. Although Samson would continue after the release of Shock Tactics, Dickinson would go on to greater success and acclaim when he replaced Paul Di'Anno in Iron Maiden.

~ Greg Prato, all media guide

Tracklist:

01. Riding With The Angels
02. Earth Mother
03. Nice Girl
04. Blood Lust
05. Go To Hell
06. Bright Lights
07. Once Bitten
08. Grime Crime
09. Communion


all songs written and arranged by Samson except "1" by Russ Ballard
Produced and Engineered by Tony Platt. Recorded at Battery Studios, London, England.

• Bruce Bruce (Bruce Dickinson) - lead & backing vocals
• Paul Samson - guitars, backing vocals
• Chris Aylmer - bass guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
• Thunderstick (Barry Graham) - drums, percussion, backing vocals

Original Release Date: 1981
Release Date: 1991
Format: Original Recording Reissued
Label: Grand Slamm Records
Catalog No.: SLAMCD17