In the beginning
David Mathis | Maryland , USA | 11/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The 1st Samson release , Survivors with 9 bonus tracks. 7 were included on a previous rerelease. 7 of the 1st 8 tracks have a unique sound not found on other Samson releases or anywhere else. unique drumming and bass lines. These sets of songs were actually from a band called McCoy which existed about 1977 which Paul was in. That's John McCoy from Gillan and Mammoth fame. Tomorrow Or Yesterday is more typical of a rock song and is the 1st Samson song I had ever heard (from Metal For Muthas). This 1st Samson release isn't for everyone but is a must have for fans of Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)ans assuming all Samson fans own it anyway. Bruce is featured on backing vocals , rythym guitar (my original vynyl claims). He is featured on the last 7 bonus tracks as vocalsit which were his tryouts for the vocal spot. Bruce had not yet found his style that he becomes famous for. Samson credited Dickinson as Bruce Bruce because his songwriting credits all had Bruce on them instead of his last name Dickinson. tracks 9 and 10 are from an early Samson single. there are actually several single cuts missing from singles yet to be released on cd. track 9, Mr Rock n Roll has often been credited as the 1st New Wave Of British Heavy Metal song. Paul Samson passed away recently and in my opinion never got the recognition he deserved as a guitarist and songwriter. Reviewers often praised his work but that never translated to a U.S. contract."