"Head Tactics" is a collaborative album by Samson, a British heavy metal band, and Bruce Dickinson, the lead vocalist of Iron Maiden. The LP was originally released in 1986 and features ten tracks of hard-hitting heavy metal music.
One of the most notable aspects of "Head Tactics" is Dickinson's contribution to the album. His vocals add a powerful and dynamic element to the already impressive instrumentation, and his presence elevates the album to a new level of intensity and excitement.
"Head Tactics" is an iconic album by the British heavy metal band Samson, featuring Bruce Dickinson, the legendary lead vocalist of Iron Maiden. Originally released in 1986, this LP showcases ten tracks of hard-hitting heavy metal music that has left a lasting impact on the genre.
One of the most outstanding aspects of "Head Tactics" is the incredible contribution of Bruce Dickinson. Known for his soaring vocal range and commanding stage presence, Dickinson's addition to the album brings a powerful and dynamic element to the already impressive instrumentation. His vocal prowess shines through in each track, elevating the album to a new level of intensity and excitement.
Recorded at Kingsway Recorders in London during April and May of 1980, "Head Tactics" was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The sound and recording engineering were expertly handled by Chas Watkins, ensuring that the album captured the band's energy and musicality with precision.
The album is divided into two sides, each offering a unique selection of songs that showcase the band's musical versatility and skill. Side One kicks off with "Vice Versa", a hard-hitting track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. It is followed by "Earth Mother", a song that displays the band's ability to deliver both heavy and melodic sections in a seamless blend. "Losing my Grip" continues the onslaught, featuring powerful riffs and Dickinson's signature vocal delivery. "Take it Like a Man" showcases the band's ability to create catchy hooks while maintaining a heavy sound, and "Once Bitten" closes Side One with its aggressive and relentless energy.
Side Two of "Head Tactics" opens with "Go to Hell", a standout track that showcases the band's penchant for memorable guitar solos and Dickinson's commanding vocals. "Hard Times" follows, presenting a more introspective and emotive side of the band's songwriting. "Nice Girl" brings a dose of infectious energy, with its catchy chorus and powerful instrumentation. "Too Close to Rock" highlights the band's ability to deliver hard-hitting rock anthems, while "Walking out on You" concludes the album with its driving rhythm and memorable hooks.
Capitol Records ST-13467 , 1986 , USA
"Head Tactics" is a collaborative LP by Samson and Bruce Dickinson. Released in 1986, it features nine tracks of hard-hitting heavy metal with Dickinson's powerful vocals adding an extra dimension to the already impressive instrumentation. It's a must-have for fans of the genre.
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Music Genre: British Prog Hard Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: " Head Tactics" was produced by: SamsonRecorded at Kingsway Recorders London, April/May 1980. Sound/recording engineer: Chas Watkins |
Record Label Information: Capitol Records ST-13467 |
Packaging: This album " Head Tactics" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by "Samson" and photos of the Samson band. |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+LP) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1986 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Samson featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics |
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Track Listing of: " Head Tactics" |
The Songs/tracks on " Head Tactics" are
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Album cover photos of : Samson featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics |
Photo of the album back cover with four photos of the "Samson" band-members.
Ccustom inner sleeve with a collage of photo's showing the SAMSON band performing live
Close-up Photo of the "Capitol Records" Record Label
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Samson is a British heavy metal band that rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. The band is known for their energetic and hard-hitting sound, which is characterized by fast-paced guitar riffs and thunderous drumming.
Samson was formed in 1977 by guitarist and songwriter Paul Samson, who had previously played with the band Scrapyard. The original lineup also included vocalist Bruce Bruce (later known as Bruce Dickinson), drummer Barry Graham (Thunderstick), and bassist Chris Aylmer. The band quickly gained a following on the London club circuit and signed a record deal with the independent label Gem Records.
In 1979, Samson released their debut album, "Survivors," which featured the single "Vice Versa." The album was well-received by fans and critics alike and helped establish Samson as one of the leading bands in the NWOBHM movement. The band followed up with the albums "Head On" (1980) and "Shock Tactics" (1981), both of which further solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.
One of the most notable aspects of Samson's sound was the powerful vocals of Bruce Dickinson, who would later go on to achieve worldwide fame as the lead singer of Iron Maiden. Dickinson's high-pitched screams and dramatic stage presence added a new dimension to Samson's music and helped them stand out from other bands in the genre.
Despite their success, Samson experienced several lineup changes over the years, with Paul Samson being the only constant member. In 1984, Dickinson left the band to join Iron Maiden, and was replaced by Nicky Moore. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, including "Before the Storm" (1982), "Don't Get Mad, Get Even" (1984), and "Joint Forces" (1986), but their popularity began to wane as the heavy metal scene evolved.
In the late 1980s, Samson disbanded and Paul Samson went on to work as a producer and session musician. However, the band's influence continued to be felt in the heavy metal scene, with many younger bands citing Samson as an inspiration. In particular, their impact on Iron Maiden, who had taken over as one of the biggest bands in the genre, was clear, as Bruce Dickinson continued to perform several Samson songs in his live shows with Maiden.
In 1999, Samson reunited with Bruce Dickinson for a one-off concert in London, which was later released as the live album "Live at Reading '81." The band continued to perform sporadically over the years, with various members returning for live shows and recordings. In 2002, Paul Samson was diagnosed with cancer and passed away the following year, bringing an end to the band's original lineup.
Despite their relatively short period of prominence, Samson remains an important band in the history of heavy metal, particularly in the UK. Their combination of powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and high-energy stage shows helped pave the way for future generations of heavy metal bands, and their influence can still be heard in the music of many modern groups.
Metal Masters METALP 102 , 1985 , United Kingdom
SAMSON's "Thank You And Goodnight" is a live LP that captures the band's raw and energetic performance at the Reading Festival in 1984. The album showcases SAMSON's distinctive sound and powerful stage presence, which made them one of the most popular bands of the British heavy metal scene in the 1980s. Show Details
LASER LAP 1 , 1979 , United Kingdom
Survivors is the debut album by Samson, released in 1979. Featuring Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals, it showcases a raw and heavy sound with standout tracks like The opening track, "It's Not as Easy as It Seems", sets the tone for the album with its pounding drums and driving guitar riffs
Show DetailsThunderbolt , 1984 , England
"Mr. Rock and Roll" is a six-track mini-LP by the British heavy metal band, Samson. Released in 1984, the album features fast-paced rhythms, thunderous drums, and Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals. Although not a commercial success, it remains a cult classic and continues to inspire new generations of heavy metal musicians.
Show DetailsCapitol Records ST-13467 , 1986 , USA
"Head Tactics" is a collaborative LP by Samson and Bruce Dickinson. Released in 1986, it features nine tracks of hard-hitting heavy metal with Dickinson's powerful vocals adding an extra dimension to the already impressive instrumentation. It's a must-have for fans of the genre.
Show DetailsGEM GEMLP 108 , 1980 , England
"Head On" is the second studio album by British heavy metal band Samson, released in 1980 on Gem Records. The album features a classic heavy metal sound with driving riffs, powerful vocals, and impressive guitar work. Notable tracks include "Hard Times," "Nice Girl," and "Take Me to Your Leader." Featuring future Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson.
Show DetailsPolydor 817 551 , 1984 , Germany
Released in 1984, "Samson Don't Get Mad, Get Even" is a classic heavy metal album by the British band Samson. Featuring fast guitar riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals, the album includes popular tracks like "Are You Ready" and "I Can't Take It," showcasing the band's signature sound. The album remains a favorite among fans of British heavy metal.
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