THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

"The Number Of The Beast" is the third full-length studio album by UK heavy metal act Iron Maiden. The album was released through EMI Records in March 1982. It´s the successor to "Killers" from 1981 and features one major lineup change as lead vocalist Paul Di'Anno was fired from Iron Maiden and replaced by Bruce Dickinson (Samson) following several episodes where the rest of the band felt that he didn´t perform well on stage (alledgedly as a result of his cocaine and alcohol abuse). There´s no arguing that changing their lead singer, at this still early stage of their career, was a risky move, but their choice ultimately paid off as "The Number Of The Beast" was a major commercial and artistic success, and a major leap forward in terms of being counted among the premier league heavy metal act on the scene. The cover artwork and the title of the album sparked quite a bit of controversy among religious groups (especially in the USA), but that probably only helped the album become even more commercially successful (the heavy metal counterculture audience, have always stood up for their heroes in situations like that).

9 tracks were recorded during the recording sessions, but only 8 tracks were included on the album because of time restraints on the vinyl media. "Total Eclipse", which was left off would appear as the B-Side to the "Run to the Hills" single. Later reissues of "The Number Of The Beast" includes "Total Eclipse" on the tracklist.

Stylistically Iron Maiden continue the heavy metal style of their previous releases, but with a more epic and at times even progressive touch. Dickinson is a more skilled and diverse vocalist (almost theatrical in his delivery) than Di'Anno and his addition to the lineup has resulted in a more refined, less raw, yet still powerful and energetic heavy metal sound. Main composer/bassist Steve Harris felt increased inspiration by the addition of Dickinson and the possiblities his more versatile voice and singing skills provided when composing the material. A pounding busy bass, powerful drumming, and loads of harmony lead guitar themes and blistering melodic guitar work are still the main ingredients of Iron Maiden´s sound, but the diversity and progressive rock influences of tracks like "22 Acacia Avenue" and especially "Hallowed Be Thy Name" make "The Number Of The Beast" a much more varied listen than the two preceding album releases (although those albums also featured their fair share of intriguing moments and progressive rock influences).

The above mentioned "Hallowed Be Thy Name", which closes the album is arguably among the highlights of "The Number Of The Beast", but tracks like "Run To The Hills" and the title track are also Iron Maiden classics. Deeper cuts like "Children Of The Damned" and "The Prisoner" are also high quality compositions though, but all tracks on the album are well written and effective heavy metal tunes. "Invaders" and "Gangland" are maybe the least memorable tracks on the tracklist but even those two tracks are good quality songs, which have a place on the album. Producer Martin Birch have created a powerful, organic, and detailed sound production, which suits the material well, and upon conclusion "The Number Of The Beast" is through and through a high quality heavy metal release. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).

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