Number of the Beast [Enhanced, Original recording remastered]

Iron Maiden | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 26, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced, Original recording remastered
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B000063CP6
• Also Available in: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (305 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,960 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #31 in Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > New Wave
  • #36 in Music > Hard Rock & Metal > British Metal

Track Listings

1. Invaders

2. Children of the Damned

3. The Prisoner

4. 22 Acacia Avenue

5. The Number of the Beast

6. Run to the Hills

7. Gangland

8. Total Eclipse

9. Hallowed Be Thy Name

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Throughout the 1980s, a damning generalization held true: British metal was essentially working man's food, loosely descended from biker-meets and Northern pubs; whereas, in the States, it was an outgrowth of stadium rock, which traditionally subordinated substance to spectacle. Plug-ugly and cartoonishly morbid, Iron Maiden were typical of the Brit effort, since they effectively emphasized a driving, no-nonsense approach to the music. Among metal aficionados, this album ranks as one of the defining moments of the entire genre. Of the nine songs here--including Maiden classics like "Run to the Hills" and the title track--only "Gangland" falls flat, though it's immediately overshadowed by "Hallowed Be Thy Name," acknowledged by many as this band's apotheosis. --Andrew McGuire

Product Description

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

101 of 107 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Five Star Album November 22, 2004

By James Choma VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

I love this album so much. This to me is a true five star album. This is the album that drew me into heavy metal music and made me a life long Iron Maiden fan.

"Run to the Hills" is what initially drew me in. I hadn't heard anything else by the band, but this was 1982, and radio was still in top 40 mode. But I knew I loved "Run to the Hills," so I thought I'd buy a whole album rather than just the single. And am I glad I did. I remember putting the lp on the turntable and being spellbound for the better part of an hour while I played the album twice, back to back. To my twelve year old ears, this was heaven.

After a thorough listen, I found most of the songs to be even better than "Run to the Hills" -- especially side two's "Number of the Beast." That song to me was pure high octane power, the perfect combination of bass, guitar, drums, and vocals. And the album closed perfectly with "Hallowed Be Thy Name."

After this, I became a true Iron Maiden maniac. I knew that "Up the Irons" meant, I knew all about "Eddie," I learned this was Bruce Dickinson's first album... stuff that wouldn't help me academically, but essential in heavy metal discussion during class time.

While my mom wasn't initially pleased with the album art (I explained it was all a dream sequence), she was pleased I was increasing my workload around the house in order to buy the band's other albums -- "Iron Maiden," "Killers," and "Maiden Japan." And with each album, I fell deeper under the band's spell. I've picked up every album since then. Some great, some not so great, but you take the good with the bad.

Are you convinced that music is dull, drap, unappealing, and commercial? Never heard this album?... Now's your chance to listen to one of the cornerstone bands of the 80's and 90's. Creativity, personality, and originality all describe this great band -- a band still on the road touring and making albums. And as for this album, it sounds as good today as it did over twenty years ago. Read more ›

48 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When Iron Maiden achieved perfection December 22, 2003

By Barry Dejasu

Format:Audio CD

This is, as most every ... metal fan knows, Iron Maiden's third album and their first to feature their longest-running singer, the great Bruce Dickinson. Circa 1982: freshly out of his former band Samson, Dickinson would replace Maiden's original singer Paul Di'Anno ..., and would stay with the band until the mid-`90's, only to return again in 2000.

Bruce Dickinson is one of metal's best singers, period. His mighty pipes carry tremendous range and power, and he can hold a note for the LONGEST time. He also throws a great performance onstage. He ranks up there with Matthew Barlow of Iced Earth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, Michael Ĺkerfeldt of Opeth, and Glenn Danzig of Danzig ... as one of the best metal singers I've ever heard.

Now, for the rest of the band: Steve Harris, songwriter/backing vocalist also is one of the most talented bassists I've ever heard. He plays a standard-tuned 4-string, but good LORD, just listen to him! He creates such complex rhythms and even leads; he's like a third guitarist .... Every song he can clearly be heard under the fantastic guitar riffs and fleshing out the thick drumming.

Dave Murray and Adrian Smith: what can I say about these guitarists? Where can I BEGIN? The two are a fearsome duo, slicing and dicing the listener as they alternate leads and solos with ease, creating such fast-paced riffs and crunches, it hardly matters how much or how little distortion they might use. I've practiced playing guitar for a couple of years, but lately I've been doing so a lot more thanks to them. Definitely one of the most perfect guitar duos out there, and still going strong. And now they have an additional guitarist in the mix, Janick Gers, but since he's not on this album, he won't be discussed...although he sure is good, too.... I just wish they would credit who played which lead and solo in the notes!

Clive Burr is a highly underrated drummer, I think. He provides really loud, well-paced beats, as well as great fills and crashes. Unfortunately he wouldn't be with the band for long, and would be gone by the PIECE OF MIND-era ..., but when he was with them, boy he was good. One of my favorite performances by him: the intro to "Gangland."

The songs are all so perfect, I will go through each one individually.

"Invaders" is a fast-paced, attention-getting opener. It tells the tale of a Viking invasion upon a Nordic village, I think. The drums thunder like a thousand running feet, the bass and guitars like cries of fear and fury. And Bruce Dickinson...it's easy to see why many called him "Air-Raid Siren."

"Children of the Damned," I'm not so sure what this one's about. It starts off kind of slow and has great guitar work from Smith and Murray, and slowly gets more up-beat, but then in the bridge of the song...VROOOOM! It just takes off at an ultra-high pace and knocks the listener off their feet ....

"The Prisoner" has a little sample from the sci-fi sitcom of the same name, then breaks into a mid-tempo beat that is simply infectious for foot-tapping. Then it speeds up so suddenly and without warning, with a sweeping, powerful instrumental thrust. Dickinson snarls and barks out the tale of a man in prison who has one thing in mind: getting out. Very catchy chorus, too. And remember what I was saying about Harris being a complex bassist? Just listen to the leads he makes in the pre-chorus: CRAZY!

"22 Acacia Avenue," another faced-paced track, is a fable of a prostitution house and how truly insane and upside-down one could be. While the song is excellent and I could be stuck on a deserted island with it, it is probably one of my lesser-favorites.

"The Number of the Beast"..., the source for many a parent's apprehensions that their kids are listening to bad music. A streamlined and fast-paced tale of a man's encounter with an unholy cult performing a Satanic ritual, yes - but by no means promoting Satanism; rather, this takes a fearful outlook upon such practices, as the narrator within the song is trying to get away...but ultimately, unsuccessfully. After an eerie intro by the late Vincent Price, the atmospheric guitar riffs kick in, with Dickinson's worried-sounding vocals coming in with a now-classic opening line: "I left alone...my mind was blank..." The solos in the bridge of the song dazzle, and the little gap between them is amazing in itself as the pace slows down, then picks up again for a huge "shebang!" Parents may still want their kids to avoid a song that has "666" in the chorus, but regardless, this is one of Maiden's best.

"Run to the Hills" is very similar to "Invaders" in plot, but this time tells the story of the white settlers that came to this land we now call America, and as they mercilessly hunted down and slew the natives. The beginning drum beats lead into a great trio of guitars and bass, and then Dickinson comes in with his furied snarls. Then, like many Maiden songs, the song suddenly picks up pace and fires off into a blistering, galloping juggernaut.

"Gangland" is yet another uptempo piece, this time focusing on living in the more ghetto side of town, and the fears of going outside, for the gangs might get you. Rather violent and up-in-your-face lyrics, too. Like "22 Acacia Avenue," one of my lesser favorites, but still a masterpiece.

"Total Eclipse" is a prophetic tale of nature taking revenge upon mankind for our decades of causing such damage to her. It starts off with mid-tempo, fairly heavy riffs that are like thunder in the sky, and then builds up the pace a little. Dickinson's vocals are at their most furious here, I think.

And then there's "Hallowed Be Thy Name," the ultimate masterpiece on this album. Clocking in at over 7 minutes, this is the tale of a man's final hours as he is on death row and waiting for his time. The imagery and emotions FEEL so real. This one starts off with a bell chiming ..., and then the song picks up pace a bit, building to climatic verses where Dickinson's solo vocals alternate with blasts of instrumentation. The massive bridge is breathtaking with its powerful time changes and solos...and with the subject matter, this song is an excellent choice for an album closer.

As well, this 1998 remaster/reissue is very good. The notes are packed with information about the era and the recording/touring of this album, and the sound is pristine.

So there it is: Iron Maiden's 1982 album, the first to feature Bruce Dickinson, and where they achieved perfection. The band has had many, many other good songs on other albums, and this one isn't even their best - but it is, without a doubt one of them, and certainly one of the most important albums in the history of heavy metal. Read more ›

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The beginning of the legend. September 17, 2005

By Storm Rider

Format:Audio CD

The Number of The Beast is the first of Iron Maiden's 4 consecutive classic releases, and an absolutely essential piece in any metal fan's collection. For those not familiar with the metal genre, this is an excellent place to start, especially if they are familiar with the heavier bands of 70s rock, such as Led Zeppelin, Rush, and the Who.

This album marks long-time singer Bruce Dickinson's debut with the band, and he makes his mark quickly as Maiden pulls away from the punk influence of former vocalist Paul Di'Anno (who was kicked out of the band for his descent into alcoholism), and adopts the style that will make them pioneers in the genre. Steve Harris really steps into his own as a songwriter on this album, as both the lyrics and music become increasingly complex and showcase the instrumental talent of the band on a level that Maiden's two previous albums, while strong in their own right, just never reached.

Of the 9 songs on Number of the Beast, I would say that the only two that would even qualify as mediocre are '22 Acacia Avenue' and 'Gangland'. 'The Prisoner' is based on the TV show of the same name, and features a great chorus by Dickinson and some nice guitar work by both Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. 'Invaders' is in my opinion an underrated gem, featuring a fast, catchy guitar riff that carries the song and goes great with Dickinson's 'air raid siren' vocals. 'Children of the Damned' and 'Total Eclipse' are both worth a listen as well, though I had to listen both several times before I appreciated them.

There are three tracks on Number of the Beast (which, to put it in perspective, is a third of the album) that are considered absolute classics by just about all Maiden fans. The first is the title track.... 'The Number of the Beast' is a great piece of music with some classic riffing augmented by Steve Harris's powerful basslines and not one, but two great guitar solos. 'The Number of the Beast' is not, as many believe, a Satanist song. In fact, the song is based on a recurring nightmare had by lead guitarist Adrian Smith of being tortured by the devil. So in a way, the song has the exact opposite message many abscribe to it. Besides, the Rolling Stones had a song about Satan, and it was one of their biggest hits. You don't hear many people calling Mick Jagger a Satanist, do you? Most of the people who accuse Iron Maiden of Satanism or promoting violence get these ideas from their morbid cover art and the total inability to understand satire (for instance, '2 Minutes to Midnight' is not a song about going on killing rampages, but rather an anti-war song).

But I digress. The second classic metal song on this album is 'Run to the Hills', which is about the genocide of the Native Americans during the years of American colonization by the British. This is the first song to use the 'galloping' guitar riff style that is used again in 'The Trooper', from their next album. Bruce's vocals are in full force this time around, with his singing sounding near operatic in its intensity, and Smith and Murray once again put together fantastic dual guitar solos.

The final song on this album, 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' is not only the best song on the album, but in my opinion Iron Maiden's best song altogether, and quite possibly the best rock song ever written. 'Hallowed', a 7-minute epic, features what are easily some of Harris's most cerebral lyrics, about a jailed man waiting to be hanged reflecting on the nature of his life and reality in general. 'Hallowed' features a dazzlingly complex song structure, with Harris's chugging bass once again providing the foundation for an assortment of terrific riffs by Smith and Murray and another exemplary vocal performance by Bruce. Toss in an absolutely jaw-dropping guitar solo by Smith (who truly was born to shred), and you have a song, and an album, that no real, or even casual, metal fan should be without.

For those who liked this album, further recommendations include:

Piece of Mind - Iron Maiden

Powerslave - Iron Maiden

Holy Diver - Dio

Heaven and Hell - Black Sabbath Read more ›