Iron Maiden-The Number Of The Beast

Year: 1982
Record Label: EMI
Track listing:
01. invaders
02. children of the damned
03. the prisoner
04. 22 Acacia Avenue
05. the number of the Beast
06. run to the hills
07. gangland
08. total eclipse
09. hallowed by thy name

Between the 1970’s and the 1980’s British Metal was a strong part of musical diets, and Iron Maiden were no exception.
Driven by a no-nonsense approach to music, Iron Maiden’s The number of the Beast, while now considered a classic, is one of the most defining examples of the quality that came out of British Metal.

The number of the Beast would have to be one of Iron Maiden's best albums. Bruce Dickinson’s vocals really shine through in this album, and there is such strength in the song writing that it is mind-blowing.

Iron Maiden has always been one of those bands that not only write extremely well, but also write intelligent lyrics.
The song “Number of the beast” is pure gold with the perfect combination of guitar, drums, bass and vocals. It is an example of how tight a band can play together while finding their own, distinctive, sound and experimenting with it.

It’s hard to name any song off this album that isn’t traditional Iron Maiden, with powerful lyrics and the equally powerful lungs of Bruce Dickinson.

Probably the weakest tracks on the album would be "Gangland" and "Total Eclipse". They just don’t seem to grab as much attention as the other songs.

"Invaders" begins the album, and really shows you what Maiden can do once they put their mind to it, as well as Harris’ song writing skills and his love of all things historical.

"Children of the Damned" is probably the closest to a ballad that Iron Maidens performs on the Number of the Beast, and works well with clear lyrics, and Clive Burr’s drumming is powerful on this track.

The Prisoner is a powerful track, again with powerful drums and strong guitar performed with the style that makes Iron Maiden recognisable.

"22 Acacia Avenue" is the continuing saga of Charlotte the Harlot and is delivered in a cheeky tone by Bruce Dickinson.
This song is probably one of the gems on the album, and one of the only sexual tracks on Iron Maiden’s album.
One thing that can be noted about Iron Maiden is that unlike other bands they don’t really write songs about sex.
"22 Acacia Avenue" is very matter of fact where the subject of prostitution and ‘Charlotte the Harlot’ are concerned, with lines such as “Charlotte you’ve taken your life and thrown it away” and “It’s no life for you, stop all that screwing”.

Iron Maiden marketed themselves perfectly with their traditional alter-ego of “Eddie” that had all Metal Heads raise up their arms and salute the Irons.

It should be noted that this was Bruce Dickinson’s first album with Iron Maiden, and he showed all Maiden fans that he could lead the band efficiently.

With Bruce Dickinson at the helm and Steve Harris’ song writing skills at their best, The Number of the Beast is an album that should be in the collection of any great metal lover.

Stand out songs: The number of the Beast, 22 Acacia Avenue, The Prisoner, Run to the hills, and Children of the damned

I give this album 5/5

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