Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
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Free Music Notes for Number of the Beast
Free Music Review: Amazing, especially in its time.
Hit: 5 Stars
As I've said before on previous reviews about this album, it was what struck the goldmine for the boys, and was the first one with the lengedary Bruce Dickinson. I can understand if some people dont like this album as much as their others, but I still truly dig this album, especially when it came out back then in 82, at the time, can you imagine what metalheads must have thought? Amazing would be the best word described. Dave&Adrian are here again, incredible at that, and in my opinion this is Adrian's most rawest guitar sound off any maiden album, all the rest of the boys delivers the goods as well, as always.Invaders-Quite underrated, I dont understand why alot of people think this song is cheesy. Its fast and cool, great bass playing, solos, drums are fast, Bruce's vocals are intense, and the lyrics are simply triumphant about viking wars.(solos by Murray/Smith)
Children of the Damned-Powerful song, could be known as the soft track off the album. Opens with a nice acousic guitar with some sheer nice, simple lead solos by Smith. Bruce's vocals are powerful, and the clashing of the cymbals are terrificly done and go with the flow nicely. Nice religious lyrics about armageddon again as well.(Solos by Smith)
The Prisoner-Gotta love it, the opening taken from the original 1960's british tv series was really cool how they added it. The opening drum beat rocks, gotta love it. The guitars are heavy and flow nice. The bass playing is lightning intense, and the vocals are very angry, its great. Also very catchy choruses.(solos by Smith/Murray)
22 Accacia Avenue(Continuing saga to Charlotte the Harlot)-Open rythm riff is cool, lyrics are powerful. A good way to write about the sickness as well as the consequences of prostitution. The solos are what really got me here, how Dave and Adrian's solos are played. Their fingers never let go of the board. Gotta love to sing along to this one.(solos by Murray/Smith)
The # of the beast-Vincent Pryce opening the song quoting the Bible verse, cant think of any other better way to open up a song quite like this. The rythm guitars, solos, the killer power driving bass playing. Powerful, fast, intense drums, as well as Bruce's horrorific lyrics. This isnt a satanic song, it is just a song about the dark side of armageddon, superb lyrics by Harris again.(solos by Murray/Smith)
Run to the Hills-Very overrated Maiden song, but it is still an instant winner about the Indians being invaded by the white settlers. Hard to believe a British metal band would write a song like this. Its really just a fun song, with sad lyrics. Harris plays the bass with full lightning, the solo is incredibly great, one of the greatest dreded solos ever made, the drums are fast, and Bruce's vocals are screaming fun, also a very cool chorus to sing too.(solo by Murray)
Gangland-The opening drum beat rocks, then the Smith's guitar comes in, so raw, I cant believe how raw his guitar is, no wonder this was one of Jannick's favorite albums. The lyrics are aggressive but deep about gang wars, and violence in the streets. I could understand some people not caring for this song, but I myself enjoyed it. Its fast and heavy, with a cool screaming chorus.(solo by Smith)
Total Eclipse-Previously released, more powerful lyrics about armageddon, awesome lyrics, and the playing is terrific. Bruce's vocals are very raw as well, I really like this song.(Solos by Murray/Smith)
Hallowed be thy Name-An instant masterpiece. The vocals, guitars, bass, drums, just the whole work. So much power in these lyrics, the song is even better played live now. If you dont love this song, then check your head.(Solos by Murray/Smith)
A great album, especially back in this time, and was the album that really showed people what kind of musicians maiden really are aka Gods. If your into real metal, or just music period, then you shouldnt be without this. Its not your average old school, pretty boy glam rock, this was what real metal was all about, British metal. Eddie lives, get this album. UP THE IRONS!!!
Free Music Review: "Life down here is just a strange illusion"
Hit: 5 Stars
"Number of the Beast" is a fantastic ablum, all the songs are well thought out and played though it has to be said some of lyrics are dodgy namely those in "Run to the Hills" - my personal favourite because of the guitaring, the brillant vocals both lead and backing and the excellent well thought out drumming by Clive Burr, but anyone who has seen "Spinal Tap" or the comic strips "Bad News" would appreciate the tongue in cheek approach by these guys.Steve Harris is the main song writer in the band so many of the songs reflect his intrests which are many and varied. Here are my thoughts on each of the songs:
Invaders - Vikings pillaging and raping a village. Fast paced tight beginning with an excellent instrumental. Steve's a History buff.
Children of the Damned - a gloomy tune that is a homage to the film of the same name about strange blonde children with mysterious powers who terrorise a small town. Steve's a horror movie fan
The Prisoner - based on the TV series about Patrick McGoohan aka number 6 and his on going battle to free himself from a prison that for all intents and purposes looks like a village. Brilliant rock beginning with an excellent back beat by Clive Burr, the vocals are strong and powerful, the guitar solos the same good melodic and catchy. Steve was a fan of the series he got permisson from McGoohan himself to use the opening lines.
22 Acacia Avenue - the continuing saga of Charllote the Harlot. Hmmmm we won't go there.
The Number of the Beast - from the spoken introduction to the edgy riff at the beginning to the second guitar cutting in to the Incredible Bruce Dickinson Scream over the tight accents played by the band leading into the 4/5 riff of the song proper, this song is a true classic for any heavy rock fan. More of Steve horror intrests
Run to the Hills - The song that hooked me as an Iron Maiden fan for life, 20 years ago I saw the video for the first time, heard that beat, that guitar riff and those memorable lyrics then the pacey verse and then round on the toms leading into the classic chorus... run to the hills run for you lives ( repeat) How cheesy can you get? Brillant song and brilliant playing all round, you'll love Clive Burr's signature drumming and Bruce's vocal work particularly at chorus time and the scream at the end of the lead guitar solo.
Gangland - a life of crime and the consequences you pay for living it, many fans say that this song lets the Ablum down I disagree from the fast drum intro all the way through to the end, the song is consistent with the driving feel of all the songs on the Album it only loses out by comparison with the other songs because they are that good.
Total Eclipse - not included on the first release of Number of the Beast and a Good reason why the Bulk of the song writing was wisely left to Steve Harris.
Hallowed be thy Name - The last hours of a man sentenced to die, in my opinion the best maiden song ever from the well thought out lyrics, then moody guitar intro at the beginning the mournful haunting vocals of Dickinson, the powerful guitar work of Smith and Murray during the instrumentals, and the always tasteful and tight rhythm section of Harris and Burr can't fail to leave a lasting haunting image of man confronted by his own mortality.
The Number of the Beast was Bruce's debut Album and sadly Clive's last. It also represented the last time that Maiden would have that heavy clean sound much of it coming from Clive's tight drumming which was often synchronised to match Steve Harris's complex bass lines and lets not forget the hand of the Master producer Martin Birch. The Album also heralded a new heavier approach that would be developed further in "Piece of Mind" and culminate in the classic "Powerslave"
20 YEARS ON THIS ALBUM STILL ROCKS!
Free Music Review: Its not often you get such a heavy metal classic like this..
Hit: 5 Stars
Hi. I got this album, some time in July earlier this year, 2004. I was astounded. It was not the first time I'd heard it. A friend of mine had lent it to me on a tape and I liked it most of the way through. But tapes are tapes, and they cannot skip track, and i didnt want to wear the tape out. So I went to get my own copy on CD. I was amazed. For a 1982 album, I think this is a top notch recording. Out of the nine songs, there are, I think, 8 properly good ones, with one OK one. I have done more detail below.
1. Invaders. 4.5/5 A good starter track. A good one to arouse the listener right from the start.
2. Children of the Damned. 5/5. The first time I heard this was on my friend's tape. I was quite amazed by the first part, the acoustic intro, then the gentle distortion guitar sond, then hard. I was a bit put off after this effective intro when it suddenly became fast. On first impressions, i felt it ruined it slightly. However, Its now one of my favourite on the album.
3. The Prisoner. 5/5. I was a bit annoyed by the cheesy start to this one at first, but as soon as you hear the energetic drum intro you know you are in for a fantastic song. A great guitar solo too(most of them have good solos in.)
4. 22 Acacia Avenue. 5/5. A good punky ,mute guitar intro, then Bruce Dickinson comes in on hgis great vocals, making it an overall great song beginning. Part of the way through, Dave Murray decides to turn a bit more prog metal, and do a kind of Pink- Floydian style, slower, howver, still great guitar solo. Then its back to the original metal theme, and so it reamins like this until the end. I think this is actually a very impressive song.
5. Number of the beast. 5/5- easily. One of the all time heavy metal classics. Possibly the best on the album. Bruce Dickinson has some very good strong vocals. This song is based on Revelation 13:18 from the Bible. It says:'Woe to you o earth and sea, for the Devil sends the beast with wrath for he knows that time is short... let he who hath understanding reckon the number of the beast for it is a human number- its number is 666.' This is how the song begins- with a man muttering these words- then it starts for real.
6. Run to the Hills. 4.999/5. This is another Maiden classic. It loses its 0.001 of a mark however, because of a slightly dodgy note in Murray's otherwise good solo.
7. Gangland. 3/5. Never mind- just a passing song.
8. Total Eclipse. 4/5. Overall this is a great song. It starts off kind of slow. Then speeds up for the solo, then slows again for an ending I really like. The only thing that stops this getting a 5 is that it is a bit repetitive.
9. Hallowed be thy Name. 5/5. WOW! What an ender to an album! The start is great- with a chiming bell, then it speeds up into what true heavy metal music really should be. Voted the sixth greatest ever heavy metal song, (beaten by Black Sabbath, Metallica, Ozzy, ACDC and Maiden itslef, With Number of the Beast, track 50), how can any true metal fan deny this is a good song? In my view the best on the album. If you hate the rest, then get it just for this song.
So, there is my overview. I really hope u go and buy it. Try and get it at a reduced price, cos I did, and then u are paying about 1 English pound, or about 1.5 US Dollars for 1 track, and for this album it is a great bargain.
My one message: get it! And i hope you enjoy it!
Thanks a lot.
Craggus.
Free Music Review: Hallowed be thy name! Maiden lives
Hit: 5 Stars
Iron Maiden have influenced so many fans over the years and have proven themselves to be one of metals best bands ever! They have won me over with this album! I haven't heard anything like this from any other band that I listen to. Bruce Dickinson is one of metals best vocalist ever! He can sing like you have never heard anybody sing! He can make his voice go up high! Almost to where he is Rob Halford of Judas Priest! They have excellent guitar, and bass playing but, at the same time you get great drumming and they are all amazing songs! Their talent is out of this world with Maiden classics like The Number Of The Beast, Run To The Hills, and Hallowed Be Thy Name! Starting off with track one: Invaders you know you are going to love the song from beginning to end as soon as you hear the way Invaders starts off! This song tells you what thrash metal is when you hear the guitar solo about half way through the song! It is only one of the many classic Maiden songs on this album!
Track Two: Children Of The Damned is one of the best songs on The Number Of The Beast with its catchy fast riffs later on in the song that also add a classical touch to the guitars! It instantly makes you love it!
Track Three: The Prisoner is aheavy song that is pretty good especially when it comes to work on the guitars and bass which of course turn this into a speedmetal song when the speed kicks in! After a while you get the long awaited guitar solo and Bruce's lyrics are also very good!
Track Four: 22 Acaia Avenue is one of those songs that you have to like for its classical hooks on guitar!
Track Five: The Number Of The Beast is a hit that broke Maiden through with radio airplay! It has a great souund and the guitar solos are all over the place making this an album that cannot be overlooked!
Track Six: Run To The Hills is another hit from Maiden! The high pitched guitar sound makes the song a classic and it has alternate tempos that make this stuff great!
Track Seven: Gangland is a fast drumming song that starts off with guitars that keep going lower and lower! It has a solo that I have never heard come out of a guitar before in my whole life! It sounds like it should be in a horror movie!
Track Eieght: Total Eclipse has a very dark sound in it but, at the same time it sounds good!
Track Nine: Hallowed Be Thy Name is one of my favorite Maiden songs because, it is dark and slow at the beginning but, goes fast quickly! The guitar playing keeps getting darker and darker but, it is a classic song if you haven't discovered that out by now! It makes you draw energy from the dark side of the music with its guitar playing and lyrics! Bruce doesn't sing much in this song as it is an almost all musical song! This song has influenced alot of bands out their. British black metal band Cradle Of Filth has done a cover of this song and it sounds good because, it is much darker and Dani Filth's voice gives a different tone to it!
This band is great because, they bring such a unique sound to metal! This is one of my favorite albums of all-time and they are one of my favorite bands to! Get this album and you will see why it brought an influence to some of metals biggest stars of today! Marilyn Manson was influenced by Iron Maiden as a kid and he is one of todays most talked about artist of metal! I like Marilyn Manson and everything that he does on stage because, his music is great! Don't stop at The Number Of The Beast! Buy other Maiden albums like Iron Maiden, Killers, and Piece Of Mind! Maiden will forever be one of metals best acts and one of my favorite bands of all-time!
Free Music Review: My favorite Maiden Album
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, I figure it's about time I got around to reviewing the rest of my Iron Maiden albums, so I'll start here. Although this is their best known album, I get the impression that most Maiden do not consider this to be their premiere work. I disagree. This album is both extremely consistent, and one of their most varied albums, plus it's got a baleful of all-time classics, all of which add up to it being the best IM album, and one of my all-time top 10.This is, of course, Bruce Dickinson's first album with the band, and it displays a marked change from their other works. Their debut and Killers both had noticeable punk and standard bluesy hard rock veins in them. These elements are essentially completely removed, allowing them create a pure and decidedly archetypal metal album. The mix is thicker, the dynamics are even more pronounced, and the guitar is tighter and sharper which makes the riffs have a much more metallic edge to them. Dickinson's vox are a big change as well, of course. Di'Anno was pretty good, but Dickinson fits the music better and seems to be in better control of his voice. Murray and Smith are in as good of form as they'll ever be (which is very, very good), with plenty of good harmonies and solos, particularly from Smith. The rhythm section is rock solid too. Harris stands out, as always, providing the energy and drive in most of the songs.
Personally I think that this is Iron Maiden's most consistent album.(well, of the 9 I have. haven't got the post 7th son pre Brave New World ones) Invaders is a great speed metal opener. Not the best they've ever done but still very solid. Very energetic and catchy, though the little licks they play in the chorus are a tad chessy.(still fun though) Children of the Damned has to be the most underrated Iron Maiden song around.(though it's still very highly regarded.) It's probably my favorite IM song, and is one of those songs were it all comes together just right, paticularly the speedy and ultra-powerful closing section. The Prisoner is very good, and has some of the most pronounced dynamics on the album. The chorus is a bit whacky initially, but it grew on me, and it's got a sweet instrumental section. 22 Acacia Avenue is another first-rate rocker, with an unusually large number of riff and tempo changes.(Structurally it's more thrash than NWOBHM, and thus quite ahead of it's time.) The main riff from the final vocal section is probably my favorite IM riff, which is no mean feat. The final instrumental section destroys as well, particularly the driving basslines. Things continue going great with two more utter classics. I prefer Run to the Hills to Number of the Beast, but they're both excellent, with outstanding choruses. We have a slight drop down in quality for two tracks, but they're both good. Gangland is a solid if not particularly remarkable speed metal piece, but it's good enough that I don't skip it. Total Eclipse(which is a bonus track actually) is not the best song on the album, but it provides a good change of pace as it's got lots of atmosphere and is one of the slower tracks, with some especially crunchy riffing. We close with the legendary Hallowed Be Thy Name. Truth be told, I probably don't like this one quite as much as most IM fans, but it's still fantastic. Dickinson's vocals are wicked, and the solos and main riffs all destroy. Very powerful and emotional with out being cheesy.
Well thats it. Most of the tracks are total classics, and the rest are still good. Don't think twice about picking it up.