Published on Jun 22, 2000
I’m starting to wonder what all the fuss has been over
Samson.
Sure, they were one of the bands that led the New Wave Of
British Heavy Metal, never mind the fact they’re not one of the
bands who leap into your mind when the phrase is mentioned. Sure,
this is the band that gave Bruce Dickinson his first shot at the
spotlight. Sure, the “hidden identity” of drummer Thunderstick was
an interesting gimmick.
But then, there’s the music. After the band’s slightly above
average debut
Survivors, Dickinson (known at the time as “Bruce Bruce”)
came on board for Samson’s sophomore release
Head On. And after spending the better part of the day on
this disc, it has to be said that after 20 years… well, the magic
just ain’t there.
Admittedly, Dickinson’s vocals were an improvement over
guitarist Paul Samson’s; Samson fronted the band on
Survivors. But when the material isn’t the strongest, it
really doesn’t matter who is behind the microphone. Songs like
“Hard Times,” “Manwatcher” and “Too Close To Rock” all just seem to
wander like lost sheep in a meadow.
I’m not unsympathetic to the fact that bands like Samson were
plowing previously uncharted territory. But when I hear tempos
shift almost uncontrollably (as they do on “Hard Times”), one has
to wonder just how in control the band was at the time. And, I’m
sorry to say, Dickinson shares in the blame, at least on this
particular track.
There are some saving moments on
Head On that make sure this disc isn’t headed for the
recycled bin. “Thunderburst” has more than a little similarity to
Iron Maiden’s “The Ides Of March” (not surprising, seeing this
piece was co-written by one Steve Harris), while “Hammerhead” and
“Take Me To Your Leader” surprise the listener with their freshness
and strength, especially after over half an album of
semi-mediocrity.
Regrettably,
Head On ends weakly as well. “Hunted” has a good premise to
start with, but it quickly fades into banality. What the hell is
Dickinson singing in the chorus: “You [nailed] my brain to a tree”?
What is
that
supposed to mean? “Walking Out On You,” the album’s closer,
doesn’t help matters much either, especially with the myriad of
sound effects that punctuates the last minute or so of the
song.
Head On was supposed to be a rebirth for Samson featuring
their new, young, charismatic lead vocalist. Too bad they were
working with the same old, tired, lackluster material. This is a
disc that’s for either the diehard fans or those studying the New
Wave Of British Heavy Metal only.