This album "SAMSON - Head On original 1980 NWOBHM GEM" includes the original custom illustrated inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos
Head On is the second album by British heavy metal band Samson. It was released in 1980. The cover art features the band's masked drummer, Thunderstick. This is the first album with future Iron Maiden-frontman Bruce Dickinson on vocal duties, The instrumental "Thunderburst" is credited as co-written by S. Harris. The track is in fact a version of "The Ides of March", the opening track on the Iron Maiden album "Killers" which was released the next year.
Album Description: | "Head On" is actually the second studio album by Samson, released in 1980 on Gem Records. The album features the classic heavy metal sound that the band was known for at the time, with driving riffs, powerful vocals, and impressive guitar work. Notable tracks on the album include "Hard Times," "Nice Girl," and "Take Me to Your Leader." "Head On" is also significant for featuring future Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who had just joined the band at the time of the album's recording. His powerful vocals and stage presence helped elevate Samson's sound and helped set the stage for his future success with Iron Maiden. |
Music Genre: |
New Wave of British Heavy Metal NWOBHM |
Album Production Information: The album: "SAMSON - Head On original 1980 NWOBHM GEM" was produced by: SamSon Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Paul "Chat" Watkins, Bob Broglia ( Bob Broglia a British sound engineer who has (during the 1980s) been responsible for recording the sound of Heavy Metal for bands like: Baron Rojo, Panzer, Samson, White Spirit. ), Craig Miliner This album was recorded at: Kingsway Recorders, London Album cover design: Hothouse Album cover photography: Simon Fowler Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden". For the album "Piece of Mind" he was called: Simon "Bullseye" Fowler. |
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Label Information: |
GEM GEMLP 108 |
Media Format: |
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year and Country: |
1980 Made in England |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SAMSON - Head On original 1980 NWOBHM GEM |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "SAMSON - Head On original 1980 NWOBHM GEM" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "SAMSON - Head On original 1980 NWOBHM GEM" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "SAMSON - Head On original 1980 NWOBHM GEM" |
Photo of "Head On" album back cover
Photo of "Head On" Red Custom Inner Sleever with lyrics of the songs.
Photo of "Head On" Red Custom Inner Sleever with a collage of Samson band photos
Close-up photo of the Green "GEM" GEMLP 108 Record Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
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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