Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
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Free Music Notes for Number of the Beast
Free Music Review: Best Heavy Metal Album Of All Time
Hit: 5 Stars
Iron Maiden needed to come up with something special for this, their third album. All of the material they came up with prior to getting a recording contract was used on their first two albums (their 1980 self-titled debut and 1981's KILLERS). From a songwriting standpoint, they had to start from scratch for this album. Also, this was the first album they did with then-new singer Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson sounded nothing like his predecessor, Paul Di'Anno. The band was taking a big chance at a critical point in their career. On top of all this, Maiden didn't release THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST in time for the English tour. So British fans heard the new material live before they even had a chance to buy the album. What was the end result of all this? THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST went straight to the #1 spot on the British album charts when it was released. This was Maiden's first gold album in America(at least 500,000 copies sold). From a songwriting standpoint, only Maiden's self-titled debut may be better. As a singer, Bruce Dickinson is leaps and bounds ahead of Paul Di'Anno.
The album opens strongly with "Invaders", a hard-driving song about the Viking invasion of England. This would be a great song to open a show with, but for some reason Maiden has rarely played it live. "Children Of The Damned" is a song about the movie of the same name. The song has melodic verses and harsh choruses. Hmmmmm....I wonder of Kurt Cobain was influenced by this song. "The Prisoner" is based on the 1960's TV series. It opens with a soundclip from the show. The song kicks in with Clive Burr's swing-time drum intro, and then the rest of the band comes in. It absolutely kicks ass. I'm surprised advertisers haven't picked up on it for use in TV commercials. There's some great guitar work in "The Prisoner", and it also has a surprisingly catchy chorus. "22 Acacia Avenue" was actually a song that guitarist Adrian Smith came up with several years before he joined the band. He re-worked it a bit with bassist Steve Harris (i.e. they added lots of time changes), and the song became a staple in the bands live set for two or three tours. Lyrically, the song is about a prostitute. Smith's co-guitarist, Dave Murray, has a very bluesy solo in the song.
The next song is the album's title track, "The Number Of The Beast". This is the song that got the band into so much trouble with religious protesters here in America. The song opens with a spoken-word reading from the Book of Revelations. If you sit down and read the lyrics to the entire song (from start to finish), you should realize that the song is about someone having a nightmare. Fundamentalist Christians chose not to see it that way. When Maiden took the BEAST ON THE ROAD tour to America, there were protesters at the venues. Iron Maiden are NOT devil worshippers. They write songs about a wide variety of subjects, as you may have noticed in my review so far. Some of the songs from their other albums are actually quite reverant. Still, there's no such thing as bad publicity, right? Anyway, the song just kicks ass from start to finish. Clive Burr's drumming is amazing and Dave Murray's guitar solo is totally wild. "Run To The Hills" is probably the band's most famous song. Clive Burr's drum-intro has to be one the most recognizable pieces in the history of metal music. The lyrics deal with the mistreatment of Native Americans by white settlers, which is a strange thing for a British band to write about. The main guitar riff is killer and the chorus is absolutely huge. Next we come to the much-maligned "Gangland". Most people think this song is the album's one weak spot, but I disagree. True, you'll probably never hear someone yell out "Play Gangland!!!" at a Maiden concert, but the song is also not the abortion everyone makes it out to be. If you want to hear an abortion, check out "Quest For Fire" from PIECE OF MIND. The song has another killer drum-intro by Clive Burr. In fact, Clive co-wrote the song with Adrian Smith. The song is fast and furious. When THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST was originally released in 1982, the song "Total Eclipse" was not on it. This song was the B-side for the "Run To The Hills" single. It was added when re-mastered versions of the band's albums were released in the 1990's. It's a pretty good song that deals with the destruction of mankind by "Mother Nature". The live version of "Total Eclipse" from the band's 1982 show at Hammersmith Odeon in London is better. Finally we come to the album's closer "Hallowed Be Thy Name". This is a classic Maiden song. Its' somber intro contains tolling bells, a melodic yet chilling guitar line, and Bruce Dickinson singing in the first person about someone who is about to be executed. The whole band then kicks in and song starts rocking very hard. The song has several time changes. There is also a guitar harmony section following the solos. Lyrically, the deals with what goes through a person's mind before they are executed. This is an all-around powerful song.
The only negative thing I can say about this album is that it is the last one with Clive Burr. He left the band for personal reasons at the end of the BEAST ON THE ROAD tour in December of '82. He was the best drummer the band ever had. Clive was immediately replaced with Nicko McBrain. Nicko is a pretty good drummer, but he lacks Clive's power. Maiden lost a step - particularly as a live band - when Clive left.
THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST opened so many doors for Maiden. When they toured America in 1983 to support their PIECE OF MIND album, they headlined from coast to coast for the first time. Throughout the 1980s, they were one of the biggest musical acts in the world. And they did all this with little or no support from MTV, radio, and the mainstream rock press. Their success enabled so many other hard rock and heavy metal bands to become famous as well. That's why THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST is the best heavy metal album of all time. I also believe that Iron Maiden belong in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Free Music Review: the biggest peak of their career
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a must by album for metal lovers. I can't stress enough how good this album is. What i love about this album is that they have different songs that sound like they should be on there other albums. Now i'll give a one by one review of each song. And once again, THIS IS A GREAT
Invaders: 8.5/10 Not bad except the bad chorus. I'm sorry but it's true! bad way to start off the album, in my opinion. The riffs are great and so are the lyrics but suddenly the chorus gets a little offhand. Thats all
Children of the damned: 10/10 The monsterous riffs of this song is amazing! The chorus is one of the best in Iron maiden's career. The lyrics are also very nice but still pretty creepy.
The Prisoner: 9/10 This is the only song that doesn't get me interested. The laughter of the man is just creepy. The lyrics aren't that bad. This song shouldn't be 7 minutes long. The riffs are pretty boring too. but overal not a bad song
22 Acacia avenue: 10/10 Finally we're getting somewhere! This is one of the best songs on the album. the chorus is just perfect. What i said in the beginning fits into this song. This song sounds like it should be on the killers or iron maiden album. The riffs between the solos sound just like the song "Phantom of the opera". My god, is this a good song! The perfect high pitched ending is the coolest.
Number of the beast: 10/10 I used to hate this song but it grows on me every time i hear it. The intro speech is so serious and cool. "it's number is 666....." The long scream is something i can't explain unless you hear it. it's perfect metal power. This is one of the best songs on the album. The riffs are perfectly assembled. The chorus is addictive. The solo is perfect just perfect! The lyrics are very scary and mysterious. Oh yeah, what i meant was solos. Plural. which means that there are 2 solos. probably one by adrian and one by dave. but not to be side tracked. The second half of the song is similar to the first half except the 2 solos. "i'll make you burn!" sorry i just had to repeat the lyrics! they're that addictive! The ending is perfectly abrupt. Do i make sense? next song!
Run to the hills: 10/10 The beginning drums are great. The guitar at first sounds a little "poppy". But doesn't matter because it only lasts about 45 seconds. The lyrics are similar to invaders but cooler. much cooler! RUN TO THE HILLS RUN FOR YOUR RUN TO THE HILLS RUN FOR YOUR I'm sorry but that has got to be the best chorus in the entire iron maiden and metal history. The solo is great. if only i could express them into words! around 2:27 the solo sounds a little weird so he retreats back into the riffs. Then Bruce says a couple of yeahs and then he screams! Then back to the chorus. He repeats the chorus until he thinks the listener has had enough. Which i haven't!!!!! I could listen to it everyday for the rest of my life. The ending is great. great scream
Gangland: 10/10 This song is highly undderrated. The beginning drum solo is great. and the riffs don't really sound bad. The lyrics aren't bad. Not really a classic hit with fans. The chorus is a little cheesey. Tastes like parmasean! Just kidding but the whole song sounds a bit the same. Not really a head banger like the other songs but very good. The solo is very cool. It kinda sounds like it should be in Powerslave. No joke, this sounds similar to the song "powerslave" from the album POWERSLAVE. The chorus doesn't rhyme that much actually. The song ends with the chorus.
Total Eclipse 10/10 Another underrated song! How can anyone call this the best metal album if you don't even acknoledge this song?! THe lyrics are very cool. Its funny because whenever i listen to it, i feel like "helping" the enviroment. This song also sounds like it should be on PIECE OF MIND. The chorus gets a little weary in the end. And by weary i mean very boring. The solo is kinda weird. But the part of the song that reminds me of PIECE OF MIND is the soft part around 3:08. it reminds me of revelations. Quiet ending. zoom! I guess it is a little boring, but great nonetheless. Okay next song!
Hallowed be thy name: 10/10 The song that everyone is raving about all these years. The bells in the beginning sends chills down my spine. Honestly, i like the song when played live because the first riffs are smooth unlike the first part of the song. It is kinda torn into bits by the weird drumming of Clive Burr. The lyrics are great!!!!!! Now this is the head banger that i was waiting for! The riffs are very cool! If this had to be graded i would give it an A+. I like the riffs around the 2:35 area. Very sweet. i like them better when they are played the second way around the 2:50 mark. "god be with you!" I'm sorry if this bothers you but i can't stop writing random parts of the song that sound really cool. "life down there is just a strange illusion!". THis song at first was very boring because of the repitition riffs. But now i realize that its so good that it doesn't really matter! In the start of the second half of the song it gets very fast paced. The solo is like blisters that are on fire! And by blisters that are on fire, i actually mean very great! So perfect that they can burn through anything that they touch. The riffs are so perfectly assembled. I can't explain why it's so good. RIFFS RIFFS thats all i can say. That basically refers to the song. Bruce doesn't sing for the last half of the song except some yeahs and 2 HALLOWED BE THY NAME!!!!!! The song ends perfectly with some snare drumming that can easily be heard.
This is the best album in there carreer. Hands down. I'm sorry but if you don't own this album, i'm gonna freak. So please just get this album. Do you know why? BECAUSE ITS SO DAM Music Review: Hallowed be this heavy metal classic's name!
Hit: 5 Stars The Number Of The Beast (1982.), Iron Maiden's third studio album
During the 1980's, the genre that ruled supreme in rock music was without doubt heavy metal. One of the definitive bands of the era was the mighty Iron Maiden. Formed in 1975, the band had at first emerged on the scene during the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) explosion at the start of the 1980's. The band's first two albums in the shape of their self titled debut and the follow up, 'Killers', established the band and proved that they were on top of the NWOBHM scene. However, in late 1981, original vocalist Paul Di'Anno left the band. Often when a singer leaves an already successful band, usually the results are disastrous, but not in the case of Iron Maiden. His replacement was former Samson singer Bruce Dickinson, who from this album onwards became the band's definitive and legendary vocalist. Soon after the arrival of Dickinson, the band recorded 'The Number Of The Beast'. The album has gone on to become recognised as Iron Maiden's definitive album and is hailed as one of the great triumphs of the genre. So is this album worthy of its reputation?
To be honest, I shouldn't even question this album's reputation; it IS a masterpiece. Even though I'm not sure I would rank this as my personal favourite Iron Maiden album, there is no doubting how well this album succeeds on many levels. The arrival of Dickinson is particularly important; although Paul Di'Anno is a great vocalist, there is no denying Bruce Dickinson's superiority. Dickenson's phenominal vocal range with resounding cries and fearsome power could only serve to improve the band's sound. It is true to say that Iron Maiden found their true heavy metal sound on this album, moving away from the heavy but quite punkish sound of earlier work. Dickinson's voice fits in perfectly with the improved sound change. Furthermore, the album has awesome songwriting. Bassist Steve Harris chiefly but Adrian Smith and Dave Murray also penned some classic stuff on this album; theres plenty of unforgettable riffs and lyrics. The band adopt an almost mythical and fantasy based persona with the themes on a lot of the songs and it fits in perfectly with the album's musical style.
Not too long ago, the Iron Maiden catalogue got totally remastered and improved. Hence the 1998 remasters are the way to go. The remaster job is great and all of the songs shine through with no sound glitches but also the recent version features and excellent accompanying booklet. The CD itself also has an enchanced multimedia section and you can view video footage of the 'Run To The Hills' and 'Number Of The Beast' songs from your PC.
This monster, or should I say 'beast' of an album kicks off with 'Invaders'. Remarkably, this track sometimes gets crticised by fans but I personally think its a great opener. True, the lyrics, about Viking invaders are a bit cheesy but looking beyond this is an excellent, growling vocal performance from Bruce Dickinson and some excellent power charged riffs to get the album going. Things slow down for the follow up in 'Childen Of The Damned'. The semi-acoustic sounding opening with a classic bass line from Steve Harris is great and builds into a slow but pounding chorus with anguished vocals from Dickenson. The song also has a clever change of style towards the end; it picks up pace and builds towards to a thrilling finish. One of my favourite tracks off the album, 'Prisoner', is next up. After a funny but cheesy spoken intro, a vibrant but resounding riff gets the song going before it builds into a classic, pacy Maiden performance. The song is a classic metal showcase with some great guitar solos; don't fail to miss Steve Harris' stellar bass work on this one. Then, if things couldn't get any better, '22 Acacia Avenue' follows. A snarling riff leads into the song that is the sequel to 'Charlotte The Harlot' from the band's first album. Some great lyrics with a commanding vocal performance from Dickinson make this one a classic. Some of the complex rhythm changes and guitar layers on this song are amazing.
The two most famous songs off the album are next. 'The Number Of The Beast' song is a famed song by the band and it is another classic. Who can fail to recognise the song's opening riff or Dickinson's 'in your face' vocals in the chorus! Then we have 'Run To The Hills'. Screaming guitars and Dickinson's vocals which ascend to amazing levels make this one a winner too. However, the next track is sadly a bit of a rough diamond. 'Gangland' ain't half that band but the song has a bit of a slapdash feel to it, especially in the chorus and it lacks the cohesiveness of the other songs on the album. After this little dip though, it's business as usual with 'Total Eclipse'. A slower, more restrained but still heavy performance characterise this song. The riffs are quite rich and memorable and pave the way for the final track of the album 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'. This, my friends is one hell of a track. It is praised by countless fans of Iron Maiden and it's not hard to tell why. This is a 7 minute masterpiece; an epic story in some ways with clever changes of mood and some awesome riffs. Iron Maiden proved with this track their talent for longer songs and we see this more and more with epics on later albums such as 'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner'.
This amazingly original album is a masterpiece. 'The Number Of The Beast' is one of the definitive moments with heavy metal and it has become a blue-print and massive influence for plenty of later bands as well as Iron Maiden themselves who would go on to put out plenty more awesome works. 'The Number Of The Beast' though is where Iron Maiden achieved their true classic status and it is a work that should be in any heavy metal fan's music collection.
MY RATING: 9.5/10
Free Music Review: Time to bow down to another legendary classic
Hit: 5 Stars
Yeah I was thinking the other day how it just totally angers me how people these days seem to have the worst taste in music ever and how much QUALITY music they're missing out on. The Limp Bizkets, the Simple Plans, and the Kayne Wastes all make me wanna gouge my eyes out.
However, I have great music to take solace in. A prime example of that would be this legendary album by a legendary band. Bruce Dickinson has to be one of the best vocalists of any band, not just in metal. He's very vibrant and melodic, something that is severely lacking from today's cookie cutter rock bands like Crossfade and Breaking Benjamin. Ok done ranting now I'll put in my 2 cents on the songs without sounding too cliche.
Invaders- 10/10 One of my favorite album openers of all time. When Bruce yells "Invaaaaaders! Pillaging! Invaaaders Looting!" I actually feel like the Vikings are unloading onto my driveway and are going to attack me. Well something like that.
Children of the Damned -10/10 A slow, gloomy rocker, Maiden style. Song is about the Village of the Damned novel which was later made into a movie in 1995. (Movie wasn't that bad btw)
Prisoner - 25/10 Call me crazy but this is my personal fave on the album. The chorus is very uplifting, "Not a prisoner!! I'm a free man and my blood is my owwwwwnnn now!" Another cool thing about this song is that it was featured in the Beavis and Butthead episode "Scared Straight" where B and B sing the chorus along with a couple of inmates while visiting a prison as part of the scared straight program they were forced into doing. Classic dude. Why wasn't this a big hit like "Run to the Hills"?
22 Acacia Avenue 9/10 I don't know this song just doesn't do it for me like the others. Well then again look at the other massively awesome songs on the album. I'll also reiterate that it is the "sequel" song to Charlotte the Harlot from the s/t debut. Will that dirty girl ever learn? Sheesh.
The Number of the Beast 20/10 Also an uber-classic people. For awhile this was my fave IM song ever, then recently the aforementioned Prisoner became it. As other reviewers have probably mentioned, this song is about a nightmare someone is having, not about worshipping the devil. If you wanna see some real Satan worshipping check out Venom, Mercyful fate, early Slayer, and other black metal outfits. (they're all awesome)
Run to the Hills 18/10 I believe this was Maiden's highest rated single, reaching pretty high on the UK charts and with damn good reason too. It's so energetic, uplifting, and is an awesome anthem about the Native American plight in the U.S. which is something that ya NEVER hear about in songs. Oh yeah there's Anthrax's "Indians" which is almost as good.
Gangland - 10/10 Seriously, why is this song so underrated? I don't know people but if ya ask me I think it's really cool. No it's not as epic as the final track that definitely overshadows it and doesn't necessarily "rock hard" but still, for some odd reason I think it's a nifty little track.
Total Eclipse - 8/10 I don't actually own the new version of the cd with this song but I downloaded it to check it out and it is indeed a cool bonus for those who do buy the new version. I guess it was an old, unreleased B-side. But don't let that discourage you, it's still unadulterated Maiden folks.
Hallowed Be Thy Name - 13/10 This is probably Maiden's most revered song, which is TOTALLY understandable. It's got an slow, kinda creepy melodic beginning then takes off rockin'. It definitely makes me feel I myself am about to be brought out to the town square to be executed. I may be completely wrong, but the song seems to be about The Crucible, (about the Salem witch trials) It's about the ending part of it at least where John Proctor is in the prison cell along with Rebecca Nurse and some other guy and then they are brought out to be hanged and refuse to confess to participating in witchery and to prove their goodness or something they start saying the Lord's Prayer (hence the title) just seconds before they're actually killed, they don't even get to finish saying it. Like I said before, I could be way off but that's what I think it's about.
So people, you gotta get this. I think with just over 200 reviews and having a 4.5 average (I'm really surprised it doesn't have a full 5) it speaks for itself. Young idiots out there, please resist from grabbing that "phat" Fiddy cent cd, TURRRRRN around, STEP AWAY from the rap section, walk over to the rock/heavy metal section, and do yourself a favor and buy this. Meh, who am I kidding, those people aren't even going to look at this cd's reviews anyway. If you loved this get Piece of mind, POWERSLAVE, the Paul Di'Anno albums, and well most of their albums. While you're at it, check out other underrated NWOBHM bands like Grim Reaper, Saxon, and stuff like that. Whew, ok I'm done now.
Free Music Review: THIS IS MAIDEN'S BEST!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is Iron Maiden's first album with Bruce Dickinson on vocals after firing Paul Dianno after there self titled debut and Killers. Bruce Dickinson has a more operatic style of singing and Dianno had a more aggressive style. So how's the album? Here are my reviews of each song
1.Invaders- 10/10 A great opener with an excellent opening riff and excellent drumming. This is a typical fast paced Maiden song with some great vocals by Dickinson who hits some high notes and some great lead guitar work. A pure metal song
2.Children Of The Damned- 10/10 A great soft melodic section to the song which leads into a slow hard riff. Some amazing powerful vocals by Dickinson. The bridge and the solo is amazing too and that section of the song gives this track a real epic feel to it. A great high note at the end too!
3.The Prisoner- 10/10 A great fast paced track with some excellent vocals. Pure power metal track here. Some really cool guitar work before the solo which leads into another excellent duel guitar solo.
4.22 Acacia Avenue- 10/10 One of the most popular songs on this album. An excellent fast paced headbanger with great vocals and another great riff. The song slows down during the solo and goes back into the fast paced explosive track and goes into another solo!
5.The Number Of the Beast- 10/10 A cool intro with someone speaking which leads into a cool palm muted riff with some quiet vocals than the song explodes into a fast track when Dickinson screams and the riffs open up. This track has some lyrics and excellent vocals. A excellent trade off solo too, one of the best Iron Maiden guitar solos! The lyrics which repeat 666 may seem satanic but the song is really about a dream that someone had which is a vision or a warning not devil worship as they've always explained when asked about this track yet it remained controversial.
6.Run To The Hills- 10/10 This is maybe Iron Maiden's biggest hit ever. The lyrics are excellent and the guitar intro is great. The chorus can get annoying at times but it is very impressive with Dickinson overdubbing harmony vocals and he hits some high notes in the chorus. The solo is just an excellent shredding duel lead. This song actually took a while for me to get used to it but it is very good and I wouldn't skip it. Some great screams in here too.
7.Gangland- 8.5/10 This is not a bad track at all but there isn't nothing really special in this track. Once again Dickinson hits some very high notes.
8.Total Eclipse- 10/10 Another classic track! The riff sounds like something you would find on a Dokken song...which is NOT a bad thing. Good lyrics too and excellent vocals of course. One of my favorite guitar solos on this album too! A great slow section after the solo and Dickinson vocals really shine on this track.
9.Hallowed Be Thy Name- 10/10 An AMAZING epic! This is the best Iron Maiden song ever in my opinion. Bruce Dickinson's quiet opening vocals, the bell and the opening guitar are very creepy but that ends whith Dickinson note hold which leads into a louder guitar section. The song really takes off around here! This song has a bunch of great riffs and Bruce Dickinson sounds like a man saying his last words which adds great effect to this amazing song! Bruce Dickinson's vocals during this song are flawless and the lyrics are brilliant. Very solid bass work too. This song is Maiden's Stargazer(Rainbow), Or Child In Time(Deep Purple) which are too of Maiden's biggest influences. The epic bridge and excellent trade off solo is very good and is a Maiden trademark. The vocals around the end are breathtaking as Dickinson's vocal power is stunning.
Anyway this album is considered one of Maiden's best and for good reason. If you like the days when Dickinson use to scream and hit high notes than this is the album for you because this album is filled with that and contains more of those than any other Maiden album. This is classic Maiden both Smith and Murray get a solo on every track, Dickinson hits high notes and holds notes long and of course amazing bass work and lyrics from steve Harris aswell as excellent drumming from Clive Burr. On a side note if your wondering why Dickinson isn't credited as a song writer on any track is because he was still under contract with the NWOBHM band Samson and actually co wrote most of the songs. This is Dickinson's best album vocal wise.
The band is
Bruce Dickinson- Vocals
Dave Murray- Lead Guitar, Rythym Guitar
Adrian Smith- Lead Guitar, Rythym Guitar
Clive Burr- Drums
Steve Harris- Bass