Samson – Survivors

Samson – Survivors

A cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), Survivors is the powerful debut album from Samson, the band that helped shape the future of British heavy music. Originally released in 1979, the album captures the raw energy, thunderous riffs, and uncompromising attitude that would define the NWOBHM movement, laying the groundwork for countless metal bands that followed.

Formed by guitarist Paul Samson, the band quickly earned a reputation on London's club circuit thanks to their energetic live performances and heavy, blues-infused sound. Although this debut predates the arrival of legendary vocalist Bruce Dickinson (then known as Bruce Bruce), who would later join Samson before finding worldwide fame with Iron Maiden, Survivors remains an essential chapter in the band's history and a defining release of the era.

The album opens with the hard-hitting "It's Not As Easy As It Seems," before moving into the tongue-in-cheek "I Wish I Was The Saddle Of A Schoolgirl's Bike." Progressive touches emerge on the expansive "Big Brother" and "Tomorrow Or Yesterday," while side two delivers the driving instrumental "Koz," the crushing "Six Foot Under," the riff-heavy "Inside Out," and the dramatic closer "Wrong Side Of Time." Throughout, Paul Samson's inventive guitar work and the band's relentless energy highlight why they became one of the founding acts of Britain's metal renaissance.

Essential listening for fans of Iron Maiden, Saxon, Diamond Head, Angel Witch, and Tygers Of Pan Tang, Survivors is a must-have for collectors of classic heavy metal and NWOBHM. Combining hard rock roots with the speed, power, and attitude that would define a generation, this influential debut remains a true British metal classic.

Tracklist

Side A

1. It's Not As Easy As It Seems
2. I Wish I Was The Saddle Of A Schoolgirl's Bike
3. Big Brother
4. Tomorrow Or Yesterday

Side B

1. Koz
2. Six Foot Under
3. Inside Out
4. Wrong Side Of Time