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The Number Of The Beast

Iron Maiden

1982

Buy At Rough Trade
The Number Of The Beast
Album Summary

The Number of the Beast is the third studio album by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden. It was released on 22 March 1982 in the United Kingdom by EMI Records and in the United States by Harvest and Capitol Records. The album was their first to feature vocalist Bruce Dickinson and their last with drummer Clive Burr. The Number of the Beast was met with critical and commercial success, and became the band's first album to top the UK Albums Chart and reach the top 40 of the US Billboard 200. The album produced the singles "Run to the Hills" and "The Number of the Beast", the former of which became the band's first top-ten UK single. The album was also controversial, particularly in the United States, due to the religious references in its artwork and the title track's lyrics. Since the release of The Number of the Beast and its subsequent tour The Beast on the Road, "The Beast" has become an alternate name for Iron Maiden and was later used in the titles of some of their compilations and live releases, including Best of the Beast and Visions of the Beast.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.59

Votes

14680

Genres

  • Metal

Reviews

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Dec 03 2021
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4

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.

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Mar 06 2022
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3

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

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Feb 23 2021
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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.

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Feb 15 2021
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4

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 👹😈

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Feb 06 2023
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4

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.

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Apr 12 2021
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1

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.

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Apr 12 2021
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3

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.

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May 13 2021
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5

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.

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Jun 01 2021
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5

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.

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Nov 28 2021
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3

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

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Jul 11 2022
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2

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

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Jul 20 2022
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2

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.

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Aug 09 2022
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1

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.

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Jan 16 2021
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5

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

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Feb 12 2024
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5

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!

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Mar 02 2024
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5

Played it backwards, killed a goat.

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May 06 2021
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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.

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May 07 2024
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2

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

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Jun 07 2021
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5

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

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Dec 04 2021
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5

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

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Jan 23 2021
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4

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.

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Sep 28 2024
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4

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.

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Sep 21 2024
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3

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.

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Jan 29 2024
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2

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

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May 10 2024
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2

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.

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May 10 2024
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2

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.

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Feb 01 2021
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1

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.

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Jul 02 2021
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1

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

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May 19 2021
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5

klockers, första albumet med bruce.

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Jan 13 2021
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5

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

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Jan 14 2021
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5

Run to the Hills is the best metal vocal ever.

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Jan 28 2021
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5

Excellent! So muhc energy on the track

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Jun 02 2021
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5

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.

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Feb 23 2021
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5

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!

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Jan 17 2021
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5

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.

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Mar 01 2021
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5

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!

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May 24 2021
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5

A classic and one I own. good to listen again

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Jun 14 2021
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5

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!

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Jun 08 2021
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5

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

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Aug 06 2021
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5

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

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Aug 07 2021
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5

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

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Aug 16 2021
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5

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.

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Aug 20 2021
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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. 🤘😝

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Aug 24 2021
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5

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

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Sep 09 2021
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5

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.

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Sep 10 2021
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5

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

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Sep 14 2021
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5

it's not really my music, but I really enjoyed this album!

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Sep 18 2021
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5

Best album de Maiden et top métal 5/5

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Oct 04 2021
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5

Love this….. the maiden in their heyday! Rocking it!!

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Oct 05 2021
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5

a timeless classic of heavy rock/metal. didn't need to listen to it as i already love it, but enjoyed listening anyway :) hallowed be thy name is one of the best heavy rock songs of all time

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Oct 05 2021
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5

Invaders, title track, Run to the Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name. good shit! Another one I've heard of for decades but never put on.

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Oct 05 2021
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5

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

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Oct 18 2021
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5

This was a really good album. I had never listened to the full album before, but after this listen I can safely say I would listen to this album again and again.

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Oct 19 2021
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5

This album was awesome. Super great guitar parts and super creative songs and vocals. Incredibly iconic.

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Oct 26 2021
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5

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.

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Nov 08 2021
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5

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

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Nov 09 2021
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5

Bringing back that rock and roll!!

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Nov 13 2021
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5

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

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Nov 19 2021
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5

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)

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Dec 09 2021
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5

-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

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Dec 28 2021
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5

Gli Iron Maiden hanno un'immagine di "METALLARI PESANTI™", ma in realtà le loro canzoni sono di un classico Hard Rock. La differenza particolare a mio avviso la fanno la caratteristica voce del cantante, le copertine degli album e i testi gotici. Ok sì, di Metal c'è anche quella tendenza a inutili virtuosismi (devo dire qui molto ben bilanciata). The number of the beast è spettacolare, brividi e una carica pazzesca. Le 4 precedenti offrono un crescendo verso questa canzone. La seguente 'Run to the Hills' è forse anche meglio, con il plus del testo. 'Gangland' e soprattutto 'hallowed by the name', anche se non sono al livello delle precedenti, mantengono un certo mood simile e molto cool. 5 stelle, facile.

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Dec 30 2021
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5

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

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Jan 07 2022
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5

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

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Jan 10 2022
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5

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

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Jan 13 2022
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5

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

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Jan 17 2022
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5

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

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Jan 19 2022
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5

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

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Feb 13 2022
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5

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

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Mar 07 2022
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5

De største sangene trekker opp, de andre var helt greie

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Mar 16 2022
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5

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

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Mar 31 2022
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5

Dumb fun metal music. Emphasis on fun.

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Apr 09 2022
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5

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

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May 07 2022
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5

These boys really are the cat's pajamas

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May 16 2022
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5

Awesome metal album! Long live Bruce Dickinson!

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May 22 2022
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5

Мне очень понравилось. Неожиданно мелодично.

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