Samson
's best album, 1981's
Shock Tactics
, was the last to feature singer
Bruce Dickinson
(then known simply as
Bruce Bruce
). The band's songwriting had improved and was comparable to other up-and-coming British heavy metal bands at the time, such as
Saxon
,
Diamond Head
, and
Iron Maiden
. The band also benefited greatly by the presence of producer
Tony Platt
, known for his work with
AC/DC
, among other heavy metal acts. Kicking off with their best-known song,
"Riding with the Angels"
(penned by ex-
Argent
singer
Russ Ballard
), other highlights include
"Earth Mother,"
"Blood Lust,"
and
"Communion."
"Nice Girl,"
however, treads on
Spinal Tap
-territory with it's woefully cliched and predictable lyrics. Although
would continue after the release of
Dickinson
would go on to greater success and acclaim when he replaced
Paul Di'Anno
in
. ~ Greg Prato