Iron Maiden - Number Of The Beast

Bruce Dickinson - vocals 
Dave Murray - guitar 
Adrian Smith - guitar, backing vocals 
Steve Harris - bass guitar, backing vocals 
Clive Burr - drums

If you ask any Iron Maiden fans to name the first album that comes to the top of their heads, its fair the say that the majority will say “The number of the Beast”. It is Maiden’s third album and their first album to feature the bands longest running vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

“Invaders” the first track on the album opens well with some nice bass work, opening the album with a explosion of sound, this leads on the a nice speedy verse with very nice vocals from Bruce. This track does not really stand out on the album but in itself is a good song. The main guitar solo is exellent and really, makes up for the other minor imperfections of the song.

Next is “Children of the Damned”, which start of mellow low tune intro which slowly melds into a great heavy guitar riff. The song starts of fairly slow paced but still manages to convey a large amount of power thank to Bruce’s fantastic vocals. Later the song speeds up into yet again another brilliant guitar solo. This is probably one of my favorite songs on the album.

“The Prisoner” starts of with a quick vocal clip for the cult television series of the same name then quickly switches to a typical Dave Murray power riff, which speeds up into a great verse with some fine bass work overlaying.

“22 Acacia Avenue” starts of with a basic descending, down stroke guitar riff, which slowly increases with power accompanied by Bruce’s sharp and piercing vocals. I particularly like this song for the way its start of with such a basic tune, becoming more complex and forceful as the song goes on.

“The Number of the Beast” is the lead track on the album and in honesty is probably the best track. No doubt, this was one song that caused many parent’s apprehensions towards rock music and Lead to Iron Maiden actually being banned in certain US states. Despite first impression of this song being a promotion to Satanism the song, the actual song takes more of a fearful outlook on such practices. The song is great for three simple reasons. Firstly the amazing opening guitar riff which just pulls you into the song, secondly the catchy chorus which has a habit of getting into you head and lastly the simply brilliant guitar solo, which no doubt has inspired many other bands instrumental styles.

“Run to the Hills” begins with a powerful steady drum beat which after 4 bars is join by an unbelievably powerfully guitar and bass riff which no doubt has to be one of Maiden best known feature of any song. This suddenly speeds up into a blistering verse and chorus. I would say that this song has to be one of Maiden’s best songs in their entire career and remains to be famed amongst the general Metal community.

“Gangland” starts of with a quick drumbeat, which persist throughout the song and a slow, streaming guitar riff. I would not say this song this particularly great, and probably one of tracks I might skip.

“Total Eclipse” is an great song. Like many other song, it just has something about it you can’t define that make its so good. You can’t really describe a track like this with words. Go listen!

“Hallowed be Thy Name” the longest song on the album starts of with the ringing of church bells, with Bruce singing in a more deep voice than normal. The song builds up after this and both guitars enter playing perhaps one of the most memorable guitar riffs ever. It really is astounding how long Dickinson can hold his voice for on this track. The song remains pretty much the same style throughout and the album ends.