Samson - Single

Sometimes referred to as "1993" (the year of this minor comeback's release), the eponymous Samson was an ill-timed stab at mid-'80s pop-metal from the former N.W.O.B.H.M. heroes. After the dissolution of Samson's classic lineup in the early '80s, bandleader Paul Samson struggled to regain the attention and success of the early days. On this particular attempt at rekindling past glories, bassist Chris Aylmer, drummer Tony Tuohy, and lead guitarist Samson went the power trio route, as the bandleader took on lead vocal duties himself. Almost every component required to assemble Def Leppard-like '80s pop bombast is present on this recording (huge drums, lush guitars and tightly structured pop songwriting) but Samson couldn't pull it all together, due mostly to less than average guitar solos and bland vocals. Besides, even if the material and performances were stronger, it's hard to imagine who would be interested in Dokken rip-offs like "Slip Away" and "Dream." The Dickinsonian classic metal of Samson's formative years is what made this group famous, and all retreads like this release manage to accomplishment is a deeper tarnishing of an already-murky metal reputation.