THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

A very important album in heavy metal history, this is where Iron Maiden replaced the tough guy voice of Di Anno with the higher pitched voice of Bruce Dickinson. This is a good album, but far from perfect.

A description of the music: The album opens with "Invaders," a simple and fast paced metal song that works as an effective opener and is our first taste of Bruce. It contains a high-pitched and rather memorable chorus. "Children of the Damned" is a slow ballad with a faster and great solo. "The Prisoner" has an amazing chorus and is pretty much your typical hard rock song. "22 Acacia Avenue" shifts between slow and fast often and is one of the highlights of the album which has catchy vocal lines and a nice instrumental section. "Number Of The Beast" is a legendary heavy metal track. Everything about this song is memorable. "Run To The Hills" is another legendary track with amazing drumming and a great chorus. The great drumming continues with "Gangland," a less catchy track then previous ones, but still good. "Total Eclipse" is a pretty forgettable track with no real entertaining factors. "Hallowed Be Thy Name" is the only track with any trace of prog and is probably the strongest track. Great riffs, great lyrics, and overall constant entertainment make this song a gem.

PROS:

Catchyness: Every track on this album, apart from "Total Eclipse," has a constant catchyness about it that will make you always remember every track here.

Vocals: Bruce Dickinson's first album with Iron Maiden is a winner for him. He hits soaring high notes and sounds great on the low notes as well.

Choruses: We should all know that Iron Maiden definitely knows how to make a good chorus, and this album is amazing for that.

CONS:

Proggyness: The only track with any proggyness on this entire album is "Hallowed Be Thy Name."

Blandness: This album at most times is just your typical hard rock/metal album. This means some tracks end up sounding a little similar.

Lasting effect: This album doesn't really have a lasting effect. It's great at first, but that greatness dies down over time.

Song ratings: Invaders: 7/10 Children of the Damned: 6/10 The Prisoner: 8.5/10 22 Acacia Avenue: 8.5/10 The Number Of The Beast: 9/10 Run To The Hills: 8/10 Gangland: 6/10 Total Eclipse: 2/10 Hallowed Be Thy Name: 9.5/10 Recommended for: Any heavy metal/ hard rock fan.

My rating: 3 stars. For a prog site, I see no reason to give any more then this.

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