SAMSON FEATURING BRUCE DICKINSON - HEAD TACTICS - 12" Vinyl LP Album

"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.

 

High Resolution Photos of samson featuring bruce dickinson head tactics

Album Description:

"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.

SAMSON Featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics
Thumbnail of SAMSON Featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics album front cover

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.

Learn more

Music Genre:

  British Prog Hard Rock

Album Production Information:

  The album: " Head Tactics" was produced by: Samson
Recorded 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 Record
Total Album (Cover+LP) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1986 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: Samson featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bruce Dickinson - Vocals

    Bruce Dickinson (real-name: Paul Bruce Dickinson) an English singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on 7 August 1958, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England. He first rose to prominence as the lead singer of Iron Maiden in 1981, and was with the band for over a decade, contributing to many of their most popular and critically acclaimed albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Fear of the Dark."

    more...

    In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Dickinson has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and performing in a variety of styles, including heavy metal, hard rock, and classical music. He has been praised for his powerful and distinctive voice, as well as his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

    Some of the other bands he has performed in are: Samson from 1977 to 1981, Speed late 1970s, Shots in the Dark early 1980, and solo recordings.

    Aside from his musical career, Dickinson is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his interests in a variety of other pursuits. He is a licensed pilot, and has flown a number of historic aircraft, including the Spitfire, a World War II fighter plane. He is also an author and public speaker, and has been involved in various humanitarian and environmental causes over the years.

    Overall, Bruce Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented musicians of his generation, and his impact on the world of heavy metal music will continue to be felt for many years to come.

  • Paul Samson - Guitars,
  • Chris Aylmer - Bass
  • Thunderstick - Drums
Track Listing of: " Head Tactics"

The Songs/tracks on " Head Tactics" are

    Side One:
  1. Vice Versa
  2. Earth Mother
  3. Losing my Grip
  4. Take it Like a Man
  5. Once Bitten
    Side Two:
  1. Go to Hell
  2. Hard Times
  3. Nice Girl
  4. Too Close to Rock
  5. Walking out on You
Album cover photos of : Samson featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics

High Resolution Photos of samson featuring bruce dickinson head tactics  

Photo of the album back cover with four photos of the "Samson" band-members.

High Resolution Photos of samson featuring bruce dickinson head tactics  

Ccustom inner sleeve with a collage of photo's showing the SAMSON band performing live 

High Resolution Photos of samson featuring bruce dickinson head tactics  

Close-up Photo of the "Capitol Records" Record Label 

High Resolution Photos of samson featuring bruce dickinson head tactics    

Samson: A Powerful Presence in the NWOBHM Scene - A Look at Their Impactful Vinyl Discography

SAMSON Band Description:

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.  

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"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.

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SAMSON Featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics
Thumbnail of SAMSON Featuring Bruce Dickinson Head Tactics album front cover

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.

Learn more
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Thumbnail of SAMSON - Head On 12" LP album front cover

GEM 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.

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Polydor 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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