Iron Maiden – The Number Of The Beast

Album: The Number Of The Beast

Band: Iron Maiden

Year:  1982

Lineup: (During Album Release)

• Bruce Dickinson – Lead Vocals
• Steve Harris – Bass, Backing Vocals
• Adrian Smith – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals
• Dave Murray – Lead and Rhythm Guitars
• Clive Burr – Drums

Current Lineup:

• Bruce Dickinson – Lead Vocals
• Steve Harris – Bass, Backing Vocals
• Dave Murray – Lead and Rhythm Guitars
• Adrian Smith – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals
• Janick Gers – Lead And Rhythm Guitars
• Nicko  McBrain – Drums, Percussion.

Genre:  Heavy Metal

Track Listing :

1. Invaders
2. Children of the Damned
3. The Prisoner
4. 22 Acacia Avenue
5. The Number of the Beast
6. Run to the Hills
7. Gangland
8. Hallowed Be Thy Name

This was Iron Maiden’s 3^rd studio album, after “Iron Maiden” and “Killers”. It is considered to be an album which made the band what they are now. This album was basically the foundation of Maiden’s glory. The Number of The Beast presented a fresh, new face: Bruce Dickinson, who is now one of the most powerful metal vocalists in the world of metal music.

The Number of the Beast was a completely new path tread by Maiden. Something that totally changed the style compared to the previous albums. It utilizes the strength of every instrument and vocals, whereas there were times in the previous albums that were dependent on a single instrument or vocal performance. The screaming and drums on “Number of the Beast” add to the atmosphere, whereas the bass and guitar leads in “Hallowed Be Thy Name” are amazing. Overall, the album goes on to define Maiden’s strength.

Here’s a guide to each of the 8 songs in the album:

1. Invaders : Good start to the album! Dave Murray and Adrian Smith never fail to amaze with their blistering, fast, yet melodic solos. Invaders, as almost all other Maiden songs, has awesome solos by the duet. Steve Harris (bass) stated that he wanted to replace this song with something else which would be released in the album, as the song disappointed him for some reason. Maiden did not have any song back then for replacement. Runtime : 3:20.

2. Children Of The Damned : This song is based on a movie which goes by the same name as the song. Acoustic intro. The song starts with a low, mellow acoustic tune, coupled with Dickinson’s beautiful vocals. The chorus involves the same tempo with distorted guitar parts. At 2:20, there is a tempo change and there’s a beautiful section before the all-amazing  tapping guitar solo. Average ending. Bruce Dickinson states that this song was inspired by Black Sabbath’s “Children Of The Sea”. Runtime : 4:33.

3. The Prisoner : The song starts with 2 males talking to each other. The dialogue is :

“We want information, information, information.”
“Who are you?”
“The new number two.”
“Who is number one?”
“You are number six.”
“I am not a number, I am a free man.”

This dialogue is from a British TV show which used to run by the same name. Maiden said that this song was inspired by that TV show, and hence the dialogue. The song then goes on to a really catchy tune, involving the drums and guitar. The lyrics talk about a prisoner who is now free, and is singing of himself. A beautiful interlude follows the two verses and catchy choruses. Solos are of course melodic and quick. This song is a little disappointing, as it fails to meet the standards of the other songs on this album. Runtime : 5:59.

4. 22 Acacia Avenue : The song was originally written by guitarist Adrian Smith several years before Maiden released it. Steve Harris (bass) heard Smith play this song with his old band, and modified it for Maiden. Intro to the song is nice. A nice guitar interlude starts a different section in the song. At 3:48, the song becomes slow, and 2 beautiful solos perfectly fit the tune of the song. At 5:28, there are 2 more solos which go on to end the song. The duet of Smith and Murray owns this song. Runtime : 6:33.

5. The Number Of The Beast : The title track. Damn catchy intro. Dickinson does well to do justice to the intro. The song overall is perfect. The verses, chorus, interlude and solos blend perfectly well. Bassist Steve Harris wrote this song based on a nightmare he saw after watching the movie Damien. “666, The Number of The Beast”. Runtime : 4:49.

6. Run To The Hills :  The song starts with a drum beat, which the guitar duet follows, and then Dickinson. The intro gives a very old school rock music kind of feel. This song is a pretty famous one, and talks about a white man invading the areas which were inhabited by tribal people, giving them a lot of trouble. Vocal parts are catchy. The song was also released as a single prior to the band’s UK tour. “Run to the hills, Run for your lives!” Runtime : 3:50.

7. Gangland : Maiden had to choose a song from “Gangland” and “Total Eclipse” to put into this album. The band regret putting Gangland on the album, and say that “Total Eclipse” would have fit the album better. The song starts off with a fast paced drum beat. The guitars kick-in, and the verse is somehow a little disappointing. Apart from that, the entire song is pretty alright. Runtime : 3:46.

8. Hallowed Be Thy Name : This is possibly the best Iron Maiden song ever. Personally, I love practically everything in this song from the awesome intro and the leads and riffs that follow, to Bruce’s amazing vocals and of course, the excellent bass notes and drum patterns. This song is perfect. . It is the longest song on the album. The guitar parts at 1:17 are amazing and catchy. The section at 4:07 is amazing too and I can really go on and on about this song, as there is a lot to praise about it. Overall, all parts of this song are spectacular and blend well together. Many artists worldwide have paid tribute to Maiden by recording this song in the studio with their own band, Like Dream Theater, Cradle Of Filth, Iced Earth, Machinehead, etc. Runtime : 7:10 .

Overall, this album is definitely amazing. It gives you an idea of Maiden’s early years (post this album). Listen to this album if you’re new to metal. Maiden is great for those who are new to Metal Music, as well as for those who have been loyal disciples metal music for decades. Cheers!

Album Cover for "The Number Of The Beast"