Number Of The Beast, The [ECD] - Iron Maiden > Reviews > Satan lends his support

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Groundbreaking album for the heavy metal genre
Disadvantages:	Production 'iffy'

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Hail Satan! Not the first band to pioneer this subject, but Maiden did it the most effectively, and to the highest acclaim. To many Iron Maiden fans, this album won't ever be topped. Although it was. But not for a while. More line-up changes, with Paul Di'Anno's gritty East end punk attack being forsaken for the camp charms and incredible high notes of legendary ex-Samson vocalist, the hirsute Bruce 'Air Raid Siren' Dickinson.
I remember this album well, as it introduced me, as a child, to a new world of music. A cool world of rebellion and demons! This is the best album that i owned (on cassette) as a child, and i went back to it many years later, and was inspired to buy the entire Maiden back catalogue, converting me again, to a Maiden devotee. Essentially, the title, and great artwork, featuring 'Eddie' as a 'master of puppets' (sorry Metallica, they beat you to the punch!), with a ball of flame in one hand, and Satan on puppet strings in the other, holding an 'Eddie' dummy on strings himself in what looks like a wasteland of burning souls and vultures, is a tribute to horror classic 'The Omen'. But some journalists and Southern American Bible-bashers took it as meaning affinity with Satan, and took to burning many Maiden vinyls, only increasing their popularity and appeal with the outspoken younger generation, eager to rebel.

1. 'Invaders'
Bruce makes himself known straight away, with this tale of Vikings looting and pillaging, penned by Harris. Due to contractual obligations, Bruce wrote no material for this particular album, but his voice took Maiden to epic new heights. No note too high, and this strange-sounding chorus was unlike what Maiden had done before. A rampaging if patchy opener.

2. 'Children of the Damned'
A slow-burning candle-in-the-air anthem of titanic proportions, it is the kind of track only Dickinson could perform with necessary vocals and passion. Atmospheric guitars lend a perfect accompaniment to a great Dickinson performance. Superb second track.

3. 'The Prisoner'
Tribute to the series of the same name, opens with a line from the show, and kicks into a legendary sing-along classic ode to freedom. Quick verses build to an uplifting and timeless chorus which the whole crowd would join in with at live sets. Invincible!

4. '22 Acacia Avenue'
Or 'Charlotte the Harlot Part II'. More tales from the East end brothel, a lot more subtle than it's predecessor, it's a final plea for the dirty whore to give up her debauched life and run away with, er....the person in the song. Most probably Dave Murray, the guy who knew her! A solid track, if unspectacular.

5. 'The number of the Beast'
Title track, much spoken of, legendary status. This is Metal at it's over-the-top best. Opening with the immortal line from Revelations, it kicks in to a riff crackling with adrenaline. Flawless lyrics and a magnificent chorus, this track is dark, heavy, sinister and silly all at the same time. Tremendous.

6. ''Run to the Hills'
Best track on the album, the opening and main riff are just inspired, a gift from above. Harris truly covers himself in glory, with his anthem about the brutal mistreating of Native Americans, which has a brilliant 'rolling' drum rhythm, and guitars bristling with energy and enthusiasm. Maybe Maiden's most recognised track, and an astonishing high-point.

7. 'Gangland'
Derided by some critics, a brave and accomplished drum intro. lead us into a fast-paced tale of life on the run from gangsters. Drummer Clive Burr also co-wrote the track, which is not that bad, but not great by any means.

8. 'Total Eclipse'
Not on the orginal album, this is an added B-side which Harris thought should have been on the album, so appeared on the remastered version. Again co-written by Clive Burr, with Murray and Harris, it is a change of pace with thoughtful lyrics, and adept time-changes. Bit of a good 'un.

9. 'Hallowed be thy name'
This has been described as; 'Every sensible Maiden fans favourite track'. I wouldn't go that far, but it transcends the generation gap with it's genius. Harris again is the heroic writer of a highly inventive and achingly sad anthem of a condemned man's last thoughts. Brilliant opening guitars from Murray and Smith, who imitate the chiming of the deathly gallows toll. More immortal riffage lead the second verse onwards, many awesome time changes follow, and everything comes together for a haunting and affecting epic with a capital 'E'. A truly magnificent and unparalleled climax to a wonderful album.

A very nice start for Dickinson, and this album propelled Maiden into the very highest order of the Metal elite. A brilliant recovery also from the disappointing 'Killers'.