THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

With Iron Maiden's third album, the mature sound starts coming. With this release the band once again revolutionizes heavy metal sound, thanks to the entry of Bruce Dickinson, considered even today one of the best metal vocalists. The sound is generally heavier, the guitars are more violent, the rhythms more strong and at times faster. But there is also an impressive songwriting, especially in songs like Run To The Hills and the title track, which became unbelievable classics not only for Iron Maiden but even for metal generally speaking.

The album starts with "Invaders" a short but effective song, fast and violent, with Bruce's high pitched vocals and Steve Harris' incredible performance.k

"Children Of The Damned" is a ballad, pretty good for Iron Maiden standards but it's probably the weakest moment of the album.

"The Prisoner" is a longer song, fast like Invaders, that surely influenced Trash metal in a way. One of my favorites.

"22 Acacia Avenue" is another fabulous piece, almost perfect, even this has pretty much the same structure as the previous song.

the title track is a huge heavy metal classic, for sure one of the best songs of the genre. For this song in particular the band was accused of Satanism.

"Run o The Hills" is another classic. Thanks to it's unusual rhythm and epic moods, it became the most famous Maiden song.

" Gangland" is an interesting song, very different, not so catchy as the previous songs, but still great.

"Hallowed By Thy Name" is yet another classic, very haunting and powerful, a semi ballad that can scare or give joy, an unforgettable song that no Maiden fan doesn't like.

In conclusion, I must say it's one of the most terrific metal albums I've ever heard, very underrated in this site, but highly acclaimed by the rest of the world. Essential.