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.

BEHOLD THE BEGINNING!!!. It's hard for me to quantify the importance of this album in my life. Walking to school in '82 and stopping at a friend's house and he played The Prisoner and TNOTB for me. It blew my mind and was a real before and after moment. Iron Maiden has been my favorite band ever since. I don't care what anyone says about Invaders, it's a killer opening track. And the drum intro to Gangland shows why Clive Burr was considered one of the best NWOBHM drummers. The other 6 tacks are all classic and were incredibly influential on the development of the genre. This is the soundtrack of my youth.

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.

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.

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 👹😈

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.

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.

Played it backwards, killed a goat.

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

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.

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!

Klasyk 🤘

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

What a record. Bruce Dickinson's first with the band, and the first in the Unholy Trilogy. The whole album rips, but standout tracks are "Invaders", "The Prisoner", the title track, "Run to the Hills", and "Hallowed Be Thy Name".

Either you like Iron Maiden or not. I do and it's one of their greatest albums.

My introduction to metal.

Exactly what metal should be. A little bit angry, a little bit silly, soaring vocals and bass that feels like it's going to rearrange your intestines. 5 stars for the sheer power of the vocals on "Run to the Hills" followed by the terrific drum breaks

This album got me hyped up for real

Hallowed Be Thy Name, one of the most addicting riffs in all of metal

This was a great album! I felt like the band members can play their instruments really technically well. They are very talented. I would certainly see Iron Maiden play if that was an option. I really really like Hallowed Be Thy Name. We love a long song that caps off any album! This was the first album that I listened through all the way twice. Pretty cool, would definitely listen to this again in the future.

I'd never really listened to any Iron Maiden before listening to this album today, and honestly, I thought that I would find them annoying and noisy (like early Metallica), but I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I really enjoyed practically every track and found myself humming along and really digging all of the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements. I thought this would be a slog, but I really loved it. Five stars.

Now we are talking. The album that made my neighbors think that I was scarifying virgins (it was a lot easier to find those back in the 80s) and goats in my house when I was growing up. One of my mom's neighbors actually talked to my parents one afternoon because they were worried about me (I turned out OK, I think). I would blast this almost every day. This is a banger from the beginning 'til the end.

i can definitely see how influential this album has been on metal

Iron Maiden smells like teen spirit. It smells like a virgin, pimply teenager. I hadn't listened to this album in many years. For some reason, Iron Maiden is one of the bands I stopped listening to when I became an adult, just like Metallica, Slayer and others... But without a doubt I have great affection for this album, as it was one of the albums that introduced me to Heavy Metal. Other than that, the album's sound has aged very well. Listening again after so many years, with more maturity and definitely with speakers much superior to those I had at 15 years old, I realize how fantastic these guys were, as in the sharp guitars, in Steve Harris's monumental bass, in the drums on point and perfect, and of course, Bruce Dickson's insane vocals, which give me goosebumps to this day. 5 stars, of course!

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

Fuckin Maiden BRO!

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

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.

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

The album that broke Maiden in America and it's not hard to see why. It's heavy, it's packed with riffs and loaded with melody. Steve Harris' fingers must be on fire with how quickly he plays bass on some tracks. Clive Burr on drums brings an almost jazzy infectious beat to the rhythm section on his last appearance on a Maiden album. Then there's Bruce Dickinson - for my money the greatest heavy metal vocalist of all time - who replaces Paul Di'Anno from the previous two albums. What Bruce lacks in the rawness that Paul had, he more than makes up for with his operatic style vocals. He certainly earned the nickname "The Air Raid Siren". Every track is a killer. There are some tracks that open with pace, some slower tracks, catchy singalong riffs and choruses that work so well in a live setting. This album has everything you could want in a classic metal album. I've heard the title track too many times but it's still a fantastic song. The scream Bruce lets out is iconic, cool riff, blistering solos. 'Run To The Hills' is radio friendly but to no detriment. How Bruce manages to sing that high is a mystery, the bass is so quick. 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' is the epic of the album. A gloomy, ominous intro with a gong opens the track before the melodic ear worm of a riff kicks in. The back and forth guitar solo duel is one of the best in Maiden's catalogue. The jazzy feel of the drums and instrumental that follows makes you want to head bang before Bruce wails out the title of the track again. Perfection in seven minutes. This is an easy five stars and it's not even Maiden's best. I'd probably put it mid table in the list of 17 studio albums they've made. So if you enjoy this, I implore you to delve deeper into their discography. Up The Irons.

Loved it. Bruce Dickinson has one of the greatest voices in metal

Blistering beautiful brilliance. Not just some of the hardest, but some of the prettiest rock ever.

amazing

Solid metal and good energy

Yas. Enjoyed the non popular songs on the album too.

Run To The Hills on here is an incredible track. Every bit of that song is at peak and should be played above it. I need Metal like this to sneak back at this kinda of talent. Who will be the next Metal band to reach a level like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Metallica?

The BASS TONE on this album is absolutely phenomenal! The guitar solos and riffs are spot on. A truly melodic metal experience

sci-fi, the devil, genocide, prison, prostitution, rippin’ bass, shreddy solos, wails - what doesn’t this album have? Let me double down on ripping bass - Steve Harris is a fucking monster. Keeping the beat plowing forward, galloping, melodic fills…this guy does it all and it always suits the song perfectly. The galloping bass in Run to the Hills is an all-time line. The rest of the band meet Harris at his level. They can sprint forward with power, set tile in a head banging groove, and throw in catchy and speedy riffs with nimbleness and precision. Dickinson’s wailing on top is perfect for it. A very tight band with their own clear identity and vision. Just a badass and fun as hell album.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Metal at its finest.

Love this album for over 40yrs, recently got live over Hammersmith vinyl, I saw 7 times in my youth, best gig was at Hammersmith amazing

listened at the gym, felt very RETVRN

Love this Album.

Another banger, I’ve listened before, really appreciate the length and quality. I think around 40 min is best for an LP. 5 out of 5

Classic album, but just an indicator of what Maiden would deliver with Dickinson. Stands great on its own. Great lyrical journeys and the instrumentation is basically flawless.

Top 3 Maiden records for me. This is non-stop bangers from start to finish. Band is in its absolute prime here!

The definitive heavy metal album (or is that Painkiller?) by the definitive heavy metal band (or is that Judas Priest?) ...

Outstanding, just outstanding

I understand exactly why the debut and this one were picked to represent Iron Maiden on the list, but it doesn’t mean I can’t be mad that Powerslave didn’t make the cut. It’s hard for me to think about this as being metal given how far it’s come since this. Bruce Dickinson has more of a voice for Prog than for metal to me so I’m glad they decided to go in the direction they did. Invaders is probably my least favorite song here, but the back half is so great it makes up for most flaws.

Rock and Fucking Roll

This is a great album. It has that classic metal sound from. The early 80s. I was happy to see it today.

woohoo

A longtime five star album for me, as far back as high school. My only gripe with the album is I always thought sides one and two should flop. There is no reason the title track and "Run to the Hills" should not open the album.... Though, "Hallowed Be Thy Name" is a perfect closer.

Woe to you haters of this album, for the Devil sends the beast with wrath. Because he knows the time is short. Let him or her of them who hath understanding reckon the number of the beast for it is a human number. It is 555 because this is a 5 star album times 5 times 5. And times 5 again. (Take away 5x5x5 for Gangland and Invaders being a bit ropier than the other tracks. Add 55 again for the other tracks just being so awesome and epic)

Just pure grooves. Feeling like I'm 16 again trying to impress a guy listening to Maiden only to get super into it myself hahaha

This album rocks so hard. Bruce is giving his all to every song while Steve Harris is at his best

What can I say? - The seed of a whole genre, of a whole musical language.

Just an all time classic. Peak British metal.

I have had a passing relationship with Iron Maiden over the years. My uncle gave me Deep Purple in Rock, from which I built a record collection that included the classical, blues, jazz and soul influences in Purple’s music, but was very much geared to the heavier side of ‘70s rock. So, when a friend turned up with Metal for Muthas, the NWOBHM sampler which included two Iron Maiden tracks, as well as a pre-Maiden Bruce Bruce (Dickinson) with Samson, I was interested enough to look out for IM’s first album when it was released later that year. And that, I think is the only Maiden album I own. I liked the punky metal with Paul Di’Anno’s vocals. I listened to Number of the Beast when it came out, and I saw, and enjoyed, Maiden at Reading ‘82. I just didn’t love them. I have dipped in and out over the years, and occasionally, I do a deep dive. I have listened to almost everything they have released, have seen them live again recently (it was excellent) and, even if I cannot say they are one of my favourite bands, I do respect them. I joke that Steve Harris is like the old blues singer on In Living Color - I wrote a song about it, like to hear it? Here it goes…- in that he really wears his influences on his sleeve, or in his titles. This album has a song inspired by Children of the Damned called “Children of the Damned”, and one by the ‘60s TV series The Prisoner (“The Prisoner”). Later we get lots of similarly, literal inspirations. But listening today, I hear a tighter, more varied album than I remembered. I can hear Ritchie Blackmore and, especially, UFO/Michael Schenker influences in the guitar playing and, even this early, indications of the proggier sounds that would come in later. Dickinson does have a good voice, obviously influenced by Ian Gillan; he would become more nuanced as he got older - he tends to use Gillan's high register Highway Star voice 90% of the time on this album. But no matter, I really enjoyed this and it is incredibly influential.

one of my all time faves

Grandios! Zwar nicht das beste Album, aber trotzdem sehr gut!

9.2/10

The best Iron Maiden album there is. It's pivotal to their shining and extensive career. Bruce's voice is so powerful and iconic. The sound is still relevant and never gets old. Run To The Hills, The Number of The Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Children of The Damned... Love them just as much as I did when I was a teen. A 5 star album without any doubt.

Not only is if this a classic, but what a classic it is. From beginning to end, it captures you with fresh riffs and lyrics. Never a dull moment, top album

Perhaps the best heavy metal album ever, and definitely among the best overall. Meaningful lyrics, awesome musicians, catchy riffs, and a lot of positive energy. I cannot think of anything similar nowadays. 10/10

"Run to the Hills" ist ein ikonischer Song von Iron Maiden und für mich der Einsteiger in die Welt von Iron Maiden. Der Song wird oft als kritisches Werk verstanden, das auf die Grausamkeiten der Geschichte aufmerksam macht. Es ist ein starkes Beispiel dafür, wie Iron Maiden historische und gesellschaftliche Themen in ihre Musik integriert. Und es ist ein Super-Beispiel für die Arrangements dieser unglaublichen Band. Für mich steht dieses Lied für das komplette Album. Ein Meisterwerk

Sixsixsix

Super exciting to listen from start to finish! Part of the excellent albums Iron Maiden released in the 80s. Heavy metal isn't the same without the 3 fantastic singles on this album.

not my jam but undeniably great for what it is

Solid. I don't usually like 80's metal, but this one has seemingly held up well

Fire 1. Hallowed be thy name

🤘🏼

Lo mejor por ahora

The lyrics mayhave dated but its still one helluva juggernaught.

Excellent foundational metal.

Great metal album with some of the most famous heavy metal anthems of the 70s

One of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time

Still my second favorite Iron Maiden album behind powerslave. Favorite track is hallowed be thy name.

Sometimes you were right about stuff when you were 14. Not very frequently, but this is one where nothing’s changed. Paul Wilkinson taped this for me in third year. That was more than 40 years ago, but somehow I still remember that. Must have made an impression then. I don’t remember when I last listened to the album, but it would have been without Total Eclipse on it. Full of good things. I particularly enjoy Hallowed Be Thy Name and Children of the Damned - must be those slow starts. Invaders and Gangland are obviously the weak points, but they’re still tracks I remember well from that old C90 that this got put on. If I remember Paul stick a mix of other stuff on the back of that tape, probably including Free Bird. Not thought about that in years. Thanks Paul; hope you’re having a good one.

Classic heavy metal album. Some absolute bangers here.

To no one's surprise, this kicks ass. Iron Maiden rules, and this is no exception.

I'm not a fan of Iron Maiden but I can recognize a perfect album when I hear it.

Bought this CD at FYE when I was in Middle School. Maybe one of the first albums I bought with my own. Loved it then and love it now. Melodic, precise, and those riffs and solos. Got me into classic and thrash metal.

One of my favorites ever. This record changed things for me. Just saw them live this weekend - 42 years after this record was released. They are still amazing - best live band ever and I’m not sure this is their best album. Easiest 5 star rating so far. No brainer.

Optimistically I would say that even if you find some of the metal albums in this project difficult this is very much at the listenable end. Proper songs, the right amount of screaming and musically interesting. They have kept going on the basis of being about the best that there is in this genre and this is as good a metal album as you will here.

YEAHHHH

Absolutely fantastic. This is my kind of melodic heavy metal. There are low moments. I feel parts of 22 Acacia Avenue drag more than they should. But overall this is superb. Highlights: Run to the hills The number of the beast Hollowed be thy name

yes

This is a classic metal album. Powerful vocals, rippin' guitar solos, and quick heavy riffs. This album has a couple of lesser known songs but a decent amount of hits as well. Number of the Beast and Run to the Hills are songs that I've heard many times and never get old. The gem of this album is Hallowed be thy Name, the pacing is phenomenal and the melodies/ harmonies/ solos throughout are amazing.

Somehow, I had never given this album a full listen until yesterday. It’s already taken my top spot in the hair metal genre - they execute all the tropes well, and it’s a fun listen front to back. I’ll never understand why they didn’t use the title track as the opener… spoken word intro, quiet to loud, two guitar solos… what more do you need?!

really solid metal album

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.