The Number Of The Beast

Ah, to be thirteen. To start wearing Lynx obsessively and masturbate for whole weekends at a time. And, of course, to own one's first Iron Maiden album. But then, at 15 you feel your first breast and try pot for the first time, so Iron Maiden loses its lustre. Of course, if neither happens, one unfortunately gets stuck on Iron Maiden and metal for the rest of one's days, and such a limited scape is no basis for a life's music. So yeah, I had cassettes of Iron Maiden, Killers, Piece of Mind and The Number of the Beast aged 13. But at 14, I got into The Doors and rediscovered my childhood love of punk, so Iron Maiden felt embarrassing in their juvenile appeal. So, I had real trepidation when Iron Maiden popped up. And I liked it. Juvenile appeal still appeals, and one occasionally yearns for Satanism, sci-fi references and songs about women with big boobies. Of course, one's diet shouldn't consist solely of ice ceam and Monster Munch, and too much Iron Maiden can be bad for one's appetite. Remember kids: if you find yourself falling asleep on the sofa at 4am clutching a three-quarters-empty bottle of Strongbow while the tenth episode that night of Red Dwarf blares from the telly, you've had a bit too much Iron Maiden.

The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden (1982) I remember when this record was released in 1982 that it caused quite a stir among conservative moralizers (such as myself), prompting boycotts of retailers and protests featuring album burnings. But I don’t remember ever paying attention to the lyrics. I seem to recall resting content that the album title and cover art were provocative enough to warrant its destruction, as in “I don’t need to listen to this trash to recognize that it comes directly from the Devil.” Now I’m in my mid-sixties, and it’s time to admit I was wrong. The ‘message’ of this album is not blasphemous; it does not promote Satanism; it is not obscene; it is not hateful; it is not threatening; it is not anti-Christian. Indeed, the only song that treats of the theme of devil worship (the title track “The Number of the Beast”) is somewhat ambivalent, giving a sympathetic view in the fourth verse and third chorus, but counterbalanced by fear and active opposition to the satanic in the remainder of the song—kind of like what one would expect when the apocalypse actually arrives, no? One could charitably interpret the song as setting forth the voices of a protagonist and an antagonist, without resolution. The rest of the album deals with themes of: (1) Viking incursions in England (“Invaders”) (2) Two (very excellent) British sci-fi movies of the early 60s (“Children of the Damned”) (3) A (very excellent) British TV spy-psy-sci-fi thriller (“The Prisoner”) (4) A plea for a woman to leave her life of prostitution (“22 Acacia Avenue”), (5) European American genocide Native Americans (“Run to the Hills”) (6) The horrors of gang violence (“Gangland”) (7) The psychological terror of a man condemned to die (“Hallowed Be Thy Name”) Anyone who is generally, indiscriminately, and piously indignant at themes of suffering and violence hasn’t read the Bible lately. The only thing morally objectionable about these lyrics is their sinfully low quality. Words like ‘trite’, ‘shallow’, ‘vacuous’, ‘cartoonish’, and ‘derivative’ come to mind. Let’s not dwell on it. It’s just bad poetry. The ‘message’ does not offend against the Good or the True; it only offends against the Beautiful. Now the music is dark, energetic, driving, heavy, scary, wild, elaborate, and creative. It’s done well, especially for 1982. Maybe the compositions are unduly repetitive, but they are all suitable for the lyrical themes—like a sonic expression of the banality of evil. Pity if there’s no room for that in one’s world view. 3/5

When I fired this up I was thinking that if I had to pick one Maiden album to put on the list I don’t know that this is the one I’d go with. By the end of it I realized I was out of my goddamn mind. “Gangland” and “Invaders” aren’t favorites, but song for song it’s hard to argue with how melodically successful of an album this is for the band. (Or any band?) It ENDS with “Hallowed Be Thy Name” for ball’s sake, and every second of this record sounds better than most metal albums ever. I love it. The first show they play in South America after the pandemic is going to result in more pregnancies than a sperm bank.

I’ve always had an aversion to heavy metal, and did an almighty roll of the eyes when this album came up on the list. Iron Maiden have never appealed to me and I’ve never sat through a song, let alone a full album. So I cued up “Invaders”, bracing myself to be thoroughly bored… and then something strange happened. Almost by itself, my head began to bob- at first imperceptibly, and then with gradually increasing vigour and enthusiasm. I felt the Devil knocking on my eardrums, looking for my very soul… and I let him in. That’s when I felt my hair getting greasier. Several species began to grow in the crevices of my armpits. For forty minutes alone, I became a metalhead. How did Iron Maiden grip me in its vice? The key ingredient here, which has been missing from the other metal albums I’ve heard so far, is the spoonful of sugary melodies to sit alongside all those high-fat riffs and cholesterol-loaded basslines. The chorus of “The Prisoner” is guiltless radio-friendly pop-rock, at no detriment to the song’s potency. The harmonised guitar solos- in “Children of the Damned” and later “Hallowed be thy Name”- are exemplary. Crisp motifs in major keys are much more this band’s currency than sludgy, bludgeoned riffs and tuneless yelling. Each member of Iron Maiden is a master of their field, with no room for faults. As well as crafting the majority of the songs, Steve Harris gives a star turn on bass, anchoring the songs when he needs to and milking the instrument elsewhere (“Invaders” verses, and the delicious rising figure capping off the solo in the title track). Drummer Clive Burr has a hell of a workout with the thrashy tempos, making excellent use of the ride cymbal. And little more needs to be said about Bruce Dickinson’s vocals and guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith: gloriously theatrical, hammy for better or worse. The all-out highlight, bringing all of the above together in four exhilarating minutes, is “Run to the Hills”. Impossible not to either sing along to, flash the air-guitar or mime the drumming for the intro, even after just a couple of listens. I don’t think I’d ever heard it before, but it will now be forever lodged somewhere in my mind, to arise like an ancient prophecy at the mere mention of Iron Maiden. However, there’s only so much rope I’m willing to give: all the good feeling in the world can’t excuse the particularly laughable “22 Acacia Avenue.” The idea of a metal band earnestly peering around the door of a brothel to tell a sex worker to “stop screwing around” is comical for all the reasons they didn’t want. Devoting a six and a half minute song to the subject with a character named “Charlotte the Harlot” brings it closer to plain offensive, so it’s a good job there’s a characteristically emotive guitar solo to make it more bearable. So in short: yes, the lyrics are hackneyed and corny. Yes, the album retreads the same ground repeatedly across its short runtime. And yes, these songs are for body rather than soul. But there was something in the raw power of these songs which really got through to me. Removing all prejudice, it’s a thrilling listen.

2.5 stars

No mystery where Jack Black gets his metal voice inspiration from... although the vocals gets a bit irritating like a mini drone constantly hovering around. Guitar solos are pretty damn good. Would’ve been great to see live in the day. Pretty clear why Iron Maiden didn’t get a lot of airtime in our house while growing up 👹😈

This one time - for a dare - I knelt down next to the exhaust on a powerful sports car while the driver stepped on the accelerator and generated maximum revs. It was very loud. However, aside from being distressed by the volume I wouldn't say if it was pleasant or unpleasant as there was no discernible variation in the noise. It just bore through me.

About as smart as you’d expect from a band called Iron Maiden with a singer called Bruce. And yet, there’s room in this world for big dumb fun, and a band with a zombie mascot. I enjoyed it.

The melodies and counter melody play with guitar and bass are awesome. Beautiful voice, good feeling. Fun music. Run to the Hills got me hooked on Iron Maiden.

One of my favourite hard rock albums ever - the musicianship, relatively raw production, and punctuated with two of the biggest hits of the genre: "Number of the Beast" and "Run to the Hills" - have made this a frequent listen for me for decades (although as a little kid I was a little scared of Number of the Beast :D....). This was the first Maiden album that put them into the stratosphere, introducing new vocalist Bruce Dickinson. Iron Maiden is probably not everyone's cup of tea so to speak, so if this early metal platter seems a turnoff, please start with "Run to the Hills" to appreciate the songwriting and musicianship. What initially attracted me to Maiden wasn't necessarily the volume and power but the strong sense of melody atop it all, something they'd perfect throughout the next 3 albums. "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "The Prisoner" are the other standouts here. 9/10, only thing keeping this from perfection is a slightly weaker first half (side 1) but overall this is an all-time classic.

Klasyk 🤘

3 🌟. Really tough for a heavy metal album to score above a 3 for me. This has elements that I like. The drumming is excellent but the songs are all basically the same formula and the vocals are technically good but the style is off putting for me. So it's a good heavy metal album but not an album I'll ever want to give a 2nd listen to

was expecting to hate this children of the damned - simple vocals, but captivating, tight guitar work, drum line around 2:45ish is beautiful; guitar solo is impressive prisoner - not my cup of tea, but vocals are good, lyrics are not 22 Acacia Avenue - this feels like the album is getting repetitive Number of the Beast - pretty eh, I liked the 666 part lol run to the hills - nothing special gangland - i'm getting sick of this repetitive song structure hallowed be thy name - the slow start is a nice change, outro was good length overall final thoughts - not my cup of tea, but I can tell it's a great work for the genre

Iron Maiden album covers remind me of the ol' Goosebumps books series, both using the same formulaic palette of not-too-scary cartoonish skeletons and occult imagery that appeals to pre-teen boys (12 year old me would have loved this cover too). The music is predictably formulaic too, but it's a formula that works for them. Still, the guitar riffs and solos are bitchin', and the songs are performed with enough vigor and aggression to keep the 39 minute run time fairly enjoyable.

As soon as I saw the album I thought “oh no -another American heavy metal band that I hate. But I was wrong. The band’s English.

Played it backwards, killed a goat.

This is my first album suggestion here for me. Know IM since my early youth in the north of the Netherlands, living nearby a town called Meeden. It was really a no future part of the country where I grew up. Kids wore IM patches and listening IM on their Walkmans. It was the way to rebel against the establishment back then. Years later I drove in the US through a First Nation area in Montana when Run To The Hills was aired on the radio. It instantly clicked. This is a wonderful album!

One of my favorite albums of all time. Gangland and invaders aren't the best but everything else is awesome. I just got speakers for my turntable, ill listen to this one after work on that

Not a bad album by any means, but still has all the things I don't like about metal: repetitive riffs, lack of a musical narrative, overwrought lyrics about how tortured the whiny white boy is. Best song: Run to the Hills. Worst song: Gangland.

Lord. This is still not my kind of music. 2

Simply a masterpiece in metal. Great vocals, classic production, harmonized solos, and catchy choruses to take it to the extra star.

Fuckin Maiden BRO!

yes

Absolute classic, brings me back to my angsty years. So much energy, the epitome of Iron Maiden's sound

really solid metal album

Though some moments on The Number of the Beast are clearly stronger than others, the album as a whole represented a high-water mark for heavy metal, striking a balance between accessible melodicism and challenging technique and intensity. Everything fell into place for Iron Maiden here at exactly the right time, and the result certainly ranks among the top five most essential heavy metal albums ever recorded. A cornerstone of the genre.

The Number of the Beast is gloriously over-the-top, blending ridiculous themes with impeccable musicianship. Iron Maiden delivers demonic visions, apocalyptic tales, and biblical nightmares with absolute sincerity, all backed by blistering performances. Every track embodies what makes ‘80s metal iconic: duelling guitars, Bruce Dickinson’s soaring wails, and galloping drums that feel like they’re charging into battle. Just listening to this album makes me want to grow a mullet, throw on a denim jacket, and dive into a mosh pit. It’s raw, high-octane energy from start to finish, the kind of record that screams to be blasted at full volume while you’re pounding warm, foul-tasting pints of lager with thousands of fellow metalheads. And yet, despite its rebellious, dark themes, The Number of the Beast did the impossible: it topped the UK album charts. In a country that often shies away from anything too extreme, an album about devils, dystopia, and chaos dominated the mainstream. That feat alone makes it legendary, but its impact goes far deeper. This was the moment Iron Maiden became metal icons, setting the stage for a career that would define the genre. From the relentless opener “Invaders” to the epic closer “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” this album has no weak spots. The title track and “Run to the Hills” are the obvious standouts, but tracks like “Children of the Damned” showcase the band’s knack for storytelling and theatricality. Lyrically, it can be clumsy and slightly camp, but that’s part of the appeal—it adds to the album’s charm and over-the-top, theatrical essence. Is this an album, or even a genre, I frequently listen to? Not at all. But when the odd Maiden track comes on, I can’t help but crack a big smile and throw up the devil’s horns. It’s hard to resist. Did I own this release? A copied cassette. Does this release belong on the list? Absolutely. Would this release make my personal list? I hadn't listened to it in a long time, but if the goal is to represent diverse eras and genres, this fits perfectly. Will I be listening to it again? This album has its time and place, and I’m sure it’ll find its way back into rotation when the mood strikes every couple of years.

There was always a group of kids who came into my classes wearing this T-shirt, so I had a certain impression of the band but had never heard them. The album is surprisingly musical and has more nuance than heavy metal generally. I rather enjoyed it, although it's a bit "growly" in places, but there is some good writing, too.

Compared to other heavy metal albums, this was tolerable. Not overly keen on Bruce Dickinson‘s voice but I find that with most albums of this ilk. Run to the Hills was fun and kudos to any band that samples The Prisoner. classic 60s TV. I didn’t have to reach for the headache tablets at the end, so this was a marked improvement in my appreciation for teenage headbanging boy music.

Metal is never going to be my favorite genre, though there are a couple-dozen songs that I enjoy. But on the whole, I find the genre a bit silly, and Bruce's vocals are exhibit A. I just can't with that operatic tone of his. Having said that, I didn't hate this album. The songs are pretty strong (if also perhaps a bit silly) and the playing is aces. But that singing. (Bonus point for that Prisoner clip, though.) Also, as a teen, I loved their album covers and posters. They're still pretty great. And that logo is iconic.

Not my jam... It was funny to hear what everybody parodies, though.

Was this a spoof?

Genuinely impressive that someone can produce something of such limited musical and artistic merit. Everything that is bad about the metal genre (which can be great) is here. Repetitive riffs, pretending to worship Satan, and lyrics about the struggle of a little white man. Imagining the lack of personal hygiene in the crowd is enough to steer well clear until the end of days. 1/5

Zero stars for juvenile art, lyrics and performances. If I were a 13 year-old boy, *maybe* I could listen to this drivel. Nah, at 13 I was into the Beatles, MoTown, Bowie.

Excellent! So muhc energy on the track

Metal, love this, sounds great and makes me feel good. Favourite - The Prisoner + Hallowed by thy name.

one of the best ever made

Back to old times

Woe to you, oh earth and sea For the Devil sends the beast with wrath Because he knows the time is short Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the beast For it is a human number Its number is six hundred and sixty-six

Great old-school metal, this album is a classic. Run to the Hills is such a perfect song and this album is filled with great tunes. It's Metal but it's got a real craftsmanship to how it's all put together.

666!!! THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST!!! One of my all-time favorite metal albums, so badass

muahahahahahaha oh hell yea. gosh the bass line on Invaders is just everywhere. Goddamn even two songs in you can tell this is one of the best black metal albums ever made. Number Of The Beast still kicks the most ass.

Awesome metal album! Long live Bruce Dickinson!

What can I say? It's Number of the goddamn Beast by Iron fucking Maiden. Five stars, and I'd give it another five if I could!

This one shreds! Great metal without trying too hard and still great music. And every song hits! Incredible album. Hallowed, Run to the Hills, and Prisoner were standouts, but zero skips. Immediately listened a second time.

An album of fucking bangers. Maiden is a great hard rock band kind of disguised as a novelty act.

These boys really are the cat's pajamas

5-

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this particularly but it was awesome. Was considering 5 stars but the last track tipped it over the edge. Used on Jamie Thomas’ section on Toy Machine - Welcome to Hell. 🤘😝

De største sangene trekker opp, de andre var helt greie

Woe to you, oh earth and sea, for Maiden sent this beast with rock!

02/12/22 Fucking awesome. Absolute 5-stars from start to finish. Loved this album!

Run to the Hills is the best metal vocal ever.

Powerful

Klassiker :D

Todo un disco de heavy-rock con guitarras aplastantes y auténticos temazos. Espectacular voz y temas muy cañeros

Awesome

Had this album years ago and it was in heavy rotation along with Motley Crue. Still holds up

Already heard this album, very good. No bad songs on this one!

Lo más.

MAIDEN!

As far as I understand this albums is seen as the best Iron Maiden album - I would agree with this, although they have made a whole string of 5* albums in the 80s - this might be the best heavy metal album ever..

Absolute banger of an album. One of the greatest from Iron Maiden for sure

Banging

CLASSIC. 🤘. LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL 👹😈

Мне очень понравилось. Неожиданно мелодично.

thank god they had Bruce

cool

Awesome!

You just can't to wrong. Beating drums, heavy rifts and pure energy in the vocals. Just amazing

💪

This a quintessential metal album that everybody needs to hear. Great stuff from start to finish.

This one of the true classic metal albums, top 5 of all time to be sure. Bruce Dickinson's voice is amazing, with a range few can match. The sound is intense but the musicianship is undeniable. Fave songs: Children of the Damned, Run to the Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name

Dumb fun metal music. Emphasis on fun.

HAIL SATAN

Not my personal favorite Maiden album, but it is certainly a beast (pun intended) and it's number is 5. Up the irons.

Need I say more?

Classic

Love it

Perfect rock album.

Great band, great album

Iron Maiden!!

Probably more of a 4.25 album, but it gets bonus points for MAIDEN! and then I round it up.

I should have checked this out earlier in my life. Best track: Hallowed Be Thy Name

I really like Iron Maiden. Interesting that the Powerslave Album wasn't picked for this, since it is the more common choice I guess. Anyways, up the Irons!

One of the best rock albums ever, not surprised it's on the list and a regular listen for me since I was really young!

Nunca había escuchado un disco de estos mens. Está bien chistoso, no paré de reír. Pero también es muy emocionante y divertidísimo. Esto debe ser increíble en vivo.

What an album. Hallowed by thy name is such a legendary song.

This band doesn't know how not to fuckin rock

-Pretty slick riff in-between lines in the chorus in "Invaders" -Great drum intro on "Gangland" -"Children of the Damned," "22 Acacia Avenue," and "Hallowed Be Thy Name" are absolute bangers -"The Number of the Beast" and "Run to the Hills" are probably up there in my favorite tracks of all time. Truly incredible songs. Incredible storytelling, intensity, and raw power -Obvioualy the riffs and singing are legendary, but the drumming is incredible, especially on "Run to the Hills" and the reverse cymbals to end "Hallowed Be Thy Name" if I remember correctly. Also the bass is quite strong and has some great riffs, especially for a metal album

Such a solid and highly influential metal album. There's a reason why critics, metalheads, and even general music fans call this one of the greatest metal albums of all time. If I did have to criticise something, I'd agree that Gangland isn't as well written as most the other tracks on there (thankfully it's right before Hallowed Be Thy Name which is phenomenal)

Alles aan dit album klopt gewoonweg. Bruce Dickinson is een fantastisch zanger, en de nummers zijn erg goed opgebouwd.

New favorite

First time listening to Iron Maiden. I was surprised. I liked almost every track. I might listen to more albums.

Ba wi wi wewww, ba wa wa wewwww. Is it possible to listen to this album and not find another layer to love about it? A taste I am grateful for having taken the time to acquire.

Bringing back that rock and roll!!

Sorry but I cannot be objective about ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS OF THE GREATEST HEAVY METAL BAND OF ALL TIME!!!!

Classic album

Hi ha clàssics i clàssics. Aquest és dels de veritat. Punt d'inflexió de la NWOBHM, del heavy metal en general, i porta d'entrada al génere de milions de joves. Un cop hi entres... ja no hi ha marxa enrera. I aquest és una de les millors empentes per creuar la porta que es pot trobar

Classic.