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.

Played it backwards, killed a goat.

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

yes

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

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.

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.

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.

Lo mejor por ahora

The lyrics mayhave dated but its still one helluva juggernaught.

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

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.

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.

Also das meg jetzt vilicht überraschend cho. Au für mii. Het mi nämli am afang biz aagschisse woni gseh ha was für es album. Ha denn doch mol aagfange lose und recht schnell recht vill spass debii becho. So dasi gar nüme ha wölle dases ufhört. Bi immer nöd so fan gsi vo so 80er johre metal. Aber vilicht hani das ez eifach scho so la g nüme ghört dasis uf zmol geil find. Aber i glaub nöd dases eifach s genre isch. I glaub tatsächli das isch es geils album. Immer abwechsligsriich und irgendwie machts eifach huere spass zum lose. Und wil i bis jetzt bi keim album so vill spass gha ha, werdet das mini erste 5 sterne!

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

One of the best metal albums of all time. And it pissed off evangelical Americans. Pure riffage

👍

Oh baby. Children of the Damned has a Fear of the Dark/Dance of Death vibe and I like it. The Number of the Beast is still one of the best metal songs ever. Hallowed be thy Name is a GREAT closer.

wtf this was awesome

Yeah this rips

Run to the hills is gold, powerful vocal harmonies!

Runn too the hiiiiiiillllls

The album where Iron Maiden BECAME Iron Maiden. Bruce Dickinson gives a masterclass in metal singing and Steve Harris flexes his songwriting and bass playing muscles to the max. A metal classic that is required listening for the genre.

Just a banger!

Great music for trail runs/skiing.

The start of a golden era that produced 5 stone cold classics in a row. With Bruce at the helm Maiden are ready for the big time and boy do they hit the mark. Hard for me to go track by track with songs I know so well already. There's some lesser known stuff on here that are some of the best Maiden tracks though, like the power ballad Children of the Damned and The Prisoner. If I have to be critical, Hills was never my favorite and the title track is overplayed too. Invaders isn't their strongest opener either. But we have Hallowed Be Thy Name to right all wrongs. The classic Maiden closer. In terms of complexity and songwriting, just a cut above what most metal bands were doing in the early 80s. Or any time in the 80s really. Steve's bass playing, the twin guitar attack, what can you say? And this isn't even the best of their classic albums.

Still as good as the first time 40 years ago.

Ahora, si. Toca nuevamente otro disco de Iron Maiden, esta vez con Bruce Dickinson en las voces. Un comienzo aplastante con "Invaders" (me recuerda en su voz a Geddy Lee de Rush), que luego continúa pasional y seguro en cada nota. Además de los singles, destaco joyitas como "The Prisoner" (y su mood para ir al frente, a batallar contra quien sea) y los riffs en "22 Acacia Avenue". Todo muy bien. Hasta el viernes, que mañana hay paro de trabajadores universitarios.

A classic heavy metal anthem

A shot of adrenaline in album form

An absolute classic, great riffs, brilliant production and legendary vocals.

They really ride the line between 80's camp and actual bangers, but overall this one had enough great songs that I could shamelessly enjoy it

Number of the Beast is in a really interesting place, seemingly squarely in the middle of the UK-North American rock and roll feedback loop. The influence of Sabbath plus Iron Maiden's UK contemporaries are clearly on display, but I don't think there's any denying that Harris, Murray, and Smith were listening to a fair amount of Rush leading up to this album. That's not to say this is a collection of lifted riffs; the song witting, the guitar harmonies, the galloping bass, and Dickinson's alternating snarl and operatic wailing are all Maiden. Not every track is exactly my jam, but this is a seminal album with no filler and very little to criticize.

Simply legendary!

When I saw that today's album was "The Number Of The Beast", I whispered under my breath "hell yeah". I'm a long-time metalhead and opted to listen to this album in vinyl today, as I already own an analog copy of it. Honestly I have no words; this was one of the first albums that I listened to in its entirety when I was first exploring the metal genre, therefore it brings back so many amazing memories. Instant 5/5, nothing more to say.

666

Really good. Enjoy listening to all of it. I could skip run to the hills. Will I listen to again: 100%

As long as you can ignore the simplistic lyrics, this is an absolute banger of an album

Never heard the album before but have heard a couple of the songs before. Pretty amazing album. Rightfully considered one of the greatest metal albums ever written. Great variety, at times quite melodic, and pretty good lyrics.

What an introduction to one of the greatest ever metal vocalists! Starts off with a bang with The Invaders, and doesn’t let down until Gangland ruins the impeccableness of the album, being the only dud here (I don’t count the arguably worse Total Eclipse, as it’s not part of the original album). The album ends with perhaps the best metal song in history, Hallowed be Thy Name. 5 solid stars

I had heard songs of this one and liked them a lot, so I was really excited to give this album a go. I loved the operatic bombast of the songs and the storytelling here. Normally, I'm not a big metal fan but this was really great and one I will revisit a lot.

The best IM album!!

OK, I love metal and I was a teenager when this album came out....so it was always getting a 5 score from me! BUT.....I also listen to and enjoy music from as many styles as I can and this why I'm here. Therefore I try to be a little more objective in my views. There is a reason that Iron Maiden are one of the most revered bands on the world of metal and even rock.....its because they are technically great, their songs are very well written and have interesting subject matter, their lead singer has a powerful and charismatic voice, and their album art is awesome! (OK, I only said I'll be 'more' objective haha!). This album absolutely fucking rocks 🤟🤘🤟🤘🤟🤘🤟🤘

Fuck yeah. This album fucks, it had me amped up at my desk the entire time. It's a classic and I don't think there is much more to be said. This album cover is iconic and it has hung on millions of walls as a poster, as well as on millions of sweaty metalheads as a t-shirt. I think Iron Maiden would be the first name out of many people's mouths when asked about metal. This album is easily their most well known. My metal reviews have been all over the place. I can't stand it when the singers voice is just angry yelling or screaming. Bruce has a cool voice and I liked listening to it the whole time. It feels like at least he put some effort into hitting notes? Iconic, holds up entirely. Also possibly rekindling its cultural relevance thanks to Stranger Things' appeal to non-metalheads? 666/10.

It’s Maiden, it’s Bruce’s first album and it’s epic and amazing - nuff said

Oh aye

The album that got me into metal - I had everything Maiden recorded between this and Fear of the Dark and have listened to this one regularly for the last 40 years.

Maiden is one of my favorite bands of all time and while this is a five star experience, it’s a bit baffling that this is the only Bruce Dickinson album on the list when it’s arguably the worst of his eighties run. The highs are as immaculate as ever, but both Invaders and Gangland are kind of bad in a way the band avoided for the rest of the decade.

This album was my introduction to heavy metal, and what a great introduction it was too! Nerdy references to cult sci-fi like Children of the Damned and the Prisoner, songs about marauding Vikings and Wild West battles, occult spookiness and a suspiciously detailed knowledge of the price list of infamous brothel madam Cynthia Payne. The music is top notch all the way through, with galloping drums, virtuoso guitar, solid bass , and Dickinson’s soaring vocals.

iiinVAAAAdeeeeeEEERS TÜLÜTÜLÜTÜÜÜ ersts album mitem dickinson und anschinend hets voll e neui welle vo heavy metal ide uk lostrete (NWOBHM-moment) ja sit ich mich mag erinnere hemmer das album glost und us guetem grund s riff vo children of the damned findi sooo geil, au wies im gegesatz zude ruhigere strophe staht TOMS IDE BRIDGE DENN SCHNELLI HIHATS UND DENN ZWEISTIMMIGS SOLO MMMMH I AM NOT A NUMBER I'M A FREE MAN wie hüfig ich das s mami scho durd wohnig/auto rüefe ghört han hahahaha grundsätzlich de ahfang isch cool wies am schlagzüg platz gebet (sie mached jz nüt crazy aber trz cool) NOT A PRISONEEEER I'M A FREEEE MAAAAN dass gschissni ami-chrisos mitem album es problem gha hend isch umso besser ich liebs solo und d drums wo so richtig ZIEHND und de pony vom bruce mussmer acho au respektiere😍 IF YOU'RE FEELING DOWN DEPRESSED AND LONELAAAAAAAY 22 ACACIA AVEMUEEEEEEEEE ouh es gaht um e prostituierti hahaha gar nie cheggt CHARLOTTE THE HARLOT AAAA jz macht slles sinn ich lieb de DÖ törötötö DÖ DAAMMM und denn s langsame solo BASS ahhhh das intro mitem schrei SIX SIX SIX THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST RUUN TO THE HIIIILLLS ja musikalisch nöd ufem gliche level wies andere aber eifach grundsätzlich chli öppis anders mitem rhythmus wo sich meh oder weniger s ganze lied durrezieht gangland findi jz am wenisgte speziell, isch au s einzige lied woni vom name her gad nümme gwüsst han wies gaht hallowed be thy name isch eis vo ihrne beste lieder, de langsam ahfang und denn d hihats und de bruce wo für gfühlti 5 min oooooooooooooh macht ganzganzganz klar es 5i, bis jz s klarste woni vergeh han

One of the true classic bands of metal, this album does not disappoint at all.

Absolute classic metal album which still sounds fresh as ever. Some masterful arrangements and every song is cris and tight

An essential metal album

6 of 5 Stars😍

Nice metal album, must-listen for beginners.

\m/

Oh Boy ….. …..”Whoa to you oh earth and sea, for the Devil sends the beast with wrath for he knows the time is short……………….. ….. Let Him Who Hath Understanding Reckon the Number of The Beast For ‘Tis A Human Number…………….. …… Its Number is Six Hundred Sixty Six………………” This album. It is indeed a RECORD. It is a record of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). It is a record of the introduction to the newest addition to Iron Maiden- singer Bruce Dickinson. It is the record that just absolutely blew the minds of Tipper Gore and the PMRC (Parental Music Resource Center). All Hail Satan. Or at least all hail Eddie (Iron Maiden’s SkeleGhoul Mascot). Here came the boys from Britain with one of the most ‘Metal’ albums ever made. Songs about the Devil? Check. (Although clearly about a bad dream). Songs about a Hooker. Check. (Although very much a tale of the pitfalls of such a life). Anti Authoritarain? I am not a number, i am a free Man!!! Hell, a song about death row AND a song about how the first British settlers were shiit and murdered all the native Americans. This is an album that every time I hear it I hear something new. It’s always fresh. It was and still is groundbreaking in the heavy metal genre. Now these ‘boys’ are in their 60s and 70s. Shit, their lead singer also flies their 747 Jet. (No shit, the man is a pilot). What’s more metal than a 65 year old piloting a jet airplane with all his granpa pals on board? Bottom line. This album rocks. Best Song: Take Your Pick … The Prisoner and Halowed Be Thy Name Worst Song: Invaders

When it comes to this style of metal, especially from this era, it’s not at the top of my list, but this album is definitely done right. Every single element that this style of metal aims for, this album hits on point. The music is high-energy and fast-paced, with plenty of catchy riffs and melodic hooks. The bass on this album has always stood out to me for some reason. This is definitely an album I go back to from time to time, and it will always be enjoyable no matter how far into the future we go because it’s timeless.

As much as I can endlessly complain about all the questionable album picks on this list, I find that metal, particularly from the 70s and 80s, is an extremely well represented genre. And this album is no exception. Reminds me a lot of Judas Priest and in the best way possible. I feel like there's nothing on this album that I can't headbang to.

Great album!! Loved listening to on my road trip!

Remember when I had #66, Judas Priest' "British Steel"? No, you don't but I do: that was great. This here works the same, only without any of the surprise, because Iron Maiden is a band I've always returned to, on the No.1 spot of 80ies Heavy Metal I Listen To Without Irony. Arguably, seeing other artists, this list could very well contain more than two of their albums, but "The Number of The Beast" is a proper pick for one of them!

5/5 - running lowwwwwwww

Really fun album. Just the right amount of cheesiness. Dickerson’s voice is great and Adrian Smith guitar parts are very fun. Love the prog rock aspects and the themed lyrics.

I see why this is one of the biggest names in rock. Everything about this album flow so smoothly and just a joy to listen through especially in the gym setting. It will pump you through your workout

One of the greatest all time albums