Head On, the second album by New Wave of British Heavy Metal pioneers Samson has been given a “make-over”. It’s been re-mastered with some extra tracks added and now available in re-issued format. Way back in 1980 when Head On first saw the light of day it appeared that it would push to band in to the big time. That never happened though it is a NWOBHM landmark for sure.
Samson, named after main man Paul Samson, seemed to have it all. An adept and talented guitarist (Samson) who could riff up a storm and rip up a solo, a drummer in a gimp mask who played in a cage with an iffy moniker going by the name of Thunderstick and, for Head On a brand new “shouter” known then as Bruce Bruce who, after Samson fell apart, went on to join Iron Maiden. Bassist Chris Aylmer completed the line-up.
The album made a bit of a dent in the charts too peaking in the mid-30s which was not too shabby at all helping to cement the (then) burgeoning NWOBHM movement. Head On is a fine example of what it was all about and it still stands up today from a band who could have been up there with Maiden, Leppard et-al given an even break.
However, Head On was arguably their peak and things started to a little out of shape after that. One more album (Shock Tactics) appeared a year or later then Bruce bailed for Iron Maiden after Samson’s performance at the 1981 Reading Festival which would eventually see the light of day as a live album.
The band carried on for a few years afterwards through various line-up changes though never regained any momentum. And, sadly, any opportunity of a reunion would be questionable to say the least given that Samson and Aylmer are sadly no longer with us and Bruce Dickinson has a rather well paying day job with you know who.
Nevertheless, a timely re-issue for Head On given the resurgence in NWOBHM interest and a fine chance for you to get your ears around a true classic from the period. It’s a well-loved album and not just me who thinks it is a classic as can be seen here: Samson Head On Review
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