Last week, Iron Maiden's iconic album Number of the The Beast celebrated 30 years since its release. If you never heard the album, you probably shouldn't be reading this. Or, better yet, go and BUY the album and listen to it!
This is my review of one of the albums that define heavy metal, Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast.
1. Invaders - The first time you hear Bruce Dickinson's voice on an Iron Maiden album. Oh how truly great it is. Not that I think Paul DiAnno was terrible, but he couldn't do what Bruce can do. This track is probably the worst on the whole album. I'm pretty sure they have never even played this song live. It is a great start to an album. Fast paced, great riff, and a catch chorus. It's lack of longevity in the hearts and minds of the band and fans alike have taken it down a notch.
2. Children of the Damned - The ballad. HAHAHA, no it's not. The song is lyrically very graphic. The song is based on the films Village of the Damned and Children of the Damned, which were in turn based on the John Wyndham album The Midwich Cuckoos. Bruce Dickinson recently stated it was also based on Black Sabbath's Children of the Sea. The song is slower paced than Invaders, but still has great guitar work, and spectacular lyrics. Bruce's delivery throughout this song defines why he was needed in Iron Maiden.
3. The Prisoner - One of my top-5 favorite Maiden songs, this song is based on the famous BBC television show of the same name. Steve Harris' bass playing stands out on this track. Many people praise Maiden for their use of dual guitars, but it should always be noted that Steve Harris plays bass like a guitar, adding a third element to the leads while still helping drive the rhythm. Opening the track with a clip from the television show adds to the story and mystique of the song. The solo is fantastic and the chorus is infectious.
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5. The Number of the Beast - The title track. The reading of Revelations 12:12 and 13:18 to lead off the song, and the chorus of "SIX, SIX SIX! The number of the beast!" led many to believe the band were satanic. The song was in fact caused by a nightmare that Steve Harris had after watching Damian: Omen II. Furthermore, if any religious zealot were to listen to the last verse "This can't go on/I must inform the law" they would know that the main character is trying to resist, but "can't avoid their eyes." The song is played by the band at almost every show they play to this very day and has been covered many times by many bands.
6. Run to the Hills - The hit. This song is known by casual fans of metal. It was the first single off the album and hit 7 on the UK
7. Gangland - The song that should not be. When deciding what to put on the album, Gangland and Total Eclipse were on the chopping block. One would make the album, the other would be the B-side to Run to the Hills. Steve Harris has said on many interviews that the wrong choice was made as Total Eclipse was the B-side. He also stated that Invaders wasn't good enough for the album, but they didn't have anything else. Personally, I don't think the song is bad. It is out of place on the album, but it isn't by any means a bad song. I think if it were on the second half of Piece of Mind it would have fit better, but in this spot, it doesn't make sense. It's like that Divas match the WWE throws between the WWE and World title matches at a PPV: even if the match is good, you still treat it like a bathroom break. Total Eclipse has been on several re-releases of the album, but I'm only reviewing the original.
8. Hallowed be thy Name - I think I need a new pair of underwear. More than the title track or Run to the Hills, Hallowed is played at literally every live show Maiden plays. It is the most celebrated of any Maiden epic, including (though maybe tied with) Fear of the Dark. With a guitar riff found other Maiden songs, and even a Papa Roach song, detailed lyrics that tell a complete story, powerful and emoted vocals, a solo that blows the mind, drumming that sets a standard, and bass playing that adds a third guitar element, this song is outright amazing. It is one of those perfect songs that you can listen to over and over and never find a flaw, but always hear something new. One of those songs that you go to see a band live for. Written, performed, and delivered perfectly. The closing to the song, and the album, gives the feel of the curtains closing to a great performance. I will say that I almost like listening to live performances better because it adds the audience going crazy that I almost hear in my mind, but even the studio recording is the perfect metal song.
Overall, I rate this album a 93
Track-By Track rating:
As usual, I base my album rating on an individual track-by-track 1-10 rating system
Invaders.....................................7.5
Children of the Damned............10
The Prisoner...............................10
The Number of the Beast...........10
Run to the Hills...........................10
Gangland....................................7.5
Hallowed be thy Name...............10
TOTAL.......................................74/80 = 93%
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