Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
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Free Music Notes for Number of the Beast
Free Music Review: A classic that more than lives up to its high expectations
Hit: 5 Stars
From the blasting intro in "Invaders" to the powerful epic "Hallowed be they Name" this album never lets up. This is one of those albums that you don't really even have to be a metalhead to appriciate. The songwriting, musicianship, and sheer energy are all amazing.
The Number of the Beast is the first album Iron Maiden released with Bruce Dickinson, the incredibly talented high range vocalist who replaced the more gruff punk-ish Paul Di'anno. While I love the albums Di'anno did with Maiden it is no doubt that Bruce will always be the true Iron Maiden frontman. When Bruce joined the band the possibilities became endless and this album really tests the limits of what the band and Bruce could do.
This is really the only Maiden album that has songs on it that nearly everyone has heard, those of course being "Run to the Hills" and the title track. One may think that like other bands the popular songs are the only good ones but really every track here is as strong as the classics if not stronger.
Invaders-The album starts out with a fast heavy track that gets your blood running right from the start. The insane bass playing of Steve Harris, and the Vocals of Bruce let you know this isn't your run of the mill metal band. 8/10
Children of the Damned-Starts out with clean guitars as if the song may be a ballad but then rips into heavy riffing with searing vocals and some amazing soloing. 9/10
The Prisoner-Starts with an excerpt from an old British T.V. of the same name I believe. Then the heavy drums of Clive Burr come in. From start to finish its a great song with a catchy chorus and heavy guitars. 9/10
22 Acacia Avenue-The Follow up to "Charlotte the Harlot" from their Debut, a song about a Prostitute in the east end of London. This song really builds up and takes you through an all out assault of riff after riff of the Maiden greatness. 8/10
The Number of the Beast- Though it's one of the more cliche metal songs out there it really is a great tune and it shows what they are capable of. The bass playing and guitar solos are what stand out to me on this one. 9/10
Run To the Hills-Probably more popular than Number, this is one of the few Maiden songs that gets airplay. This was chosen by Martin Birch (their producer) to be the single because it's both super catchy and shows the power of Bruce. 9/10
Gangland- The weakest on the album probably. Still an enjoyable song, it just does not have the power behind it that the other tunes have. 6.5/10
Total Eclipse-Originally this was the B-side for the Run to the Hills single but on the re release they put it on the album. Good thing to, it's a great song and a bit of a change from the others. 8/10
Hallowed be thy Name- Here it is, the undeniable masterpiece of this album. This is about a mans last day alive before he is hung. The lyrics are extremely powerful and the music is as well. This is one of those songs that gives me goosebumps and reminds me of so many memories. 10/10
So if your a fan of metal and you don't have this album get it right away. If your sick of bands that are puppets to their record companies will then this album will be a refreshing change of integrity, and quality. I warn you though, if you buy this don't be surprised when you come back purchasing ever other Maiden album.
Free Music Review: "The Band's Breaktrought Album"
Hit: 5 Stars
Back in 1981 Paul Di'Anno was fired from Iron Maiden because of his drug habbits(who damaged his voice)and newcomer Bruce Dickinson(who was the singer of Samson at the time)took the uneasy task and filled the void perfectly.Dickinson wasn't accepted at first and had to deal with unflattering remarks from the fans.After a quick tour to introduce their new singer,Maiden were back in the studio and made "The Number Of The Beast",their breaktrought album.It turned to be a hit and one of the best albums of all time.TNOFB was also contoversial of the time because of the theme song wich had "666" in its lyrics and the album cover with Satan on it didn't help at all.The band isn't satanic,in fact Niko MacBrain has converted to Christianism and if you read the lyrics of the song carefully you'll notice that it is actually anti-Satan.
There are no shortage of great songs here.Actually all songs are good and they are all unique.The opener "Invaders" is a great album opener and a fast one.Next is "Children Of The Damned" which is an absolute favourite of mine,the song is slow-paced and Bruce just sings his heart out,it is kind of like a ballad really and this one has grown to be a fan-pleaser."Prisonner" was inspired by the television show of the same name(it features a dialogue from the show),not a lot to say on this one,catchy chorus and very good is all I have to say."22 Acacia Avenue" is the second song in the Charlot The Harlot serie(four songs overral),continues the story of prostitution started with the first,I am not a fan of this one,its good but not exceptionnal as it is overshadowed by the rest of the songs.
The title track "The Number Of The Beast" follows,as I mentionned earlier,it was a controversial song.All about a dream bassist Steve Harris had following watching a horror movie.Great guitars and it has everything going for it,its a classic and one of Maiden's best song."Run To The Hills" was the big hit off this album(I remember my Gym teacher putting this song on everyday and making us run,it worked well),the galloping beat is great and the story of the song(native american,setlers and all that)and the video was great too."Gangland" is very good but the problem is it followed two of the band's biggest hits which didn't help it.I don't know why some don't like this song its underrated in my opinion."Total Eclipse" is about a prophecy in which nature takes its revenge,good not much to say."Hallowed Be Thy Name" is a masterpiece yeah,over 7 minutes and you can't get much better to close the album.
The lineup on this album consisted of Bassist Steve Harris as always,Guitarists Dave Murrey and Adrian Smith,Singer Bruce Dickinson and drummer Clive Burr(this was his last album with the band),they all played great and delivered nice performance.The following album "Piece Of Mind" would have the same lineup minus Burr and MacBrain would join for what would be refered to years latter as the "classic" lineup.Can't get much better,one of Maiden's best album.Great playing,great song and the creativity is there as well.A classic and a masterpiece,you MUST add this to your collection.This 1998 remaster has expanded liner notes and a bonus video.Like it or not this is certainly of THE most important albums of heavy metal.It doesn't get much better.Timeless album sounds as good as in 1982.Five stars!
Free Music Review: Great metal album, great musicianship
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic album. I think the great thing with Maiden is their sheer commitment, dedication and professionalism. I once heard that Steve Harris was nearly going to become a pro soccer player at West Ham United and that doesnt surprise me.
One thing about Maiden is the consistent quality of all the songs. Theres no weak ones. And I even like Gangland. It shows the punk influence on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The lyrics remind me of something like the song Guns of Brixton by The Clash on London Calling. Some reviewer wrote that the Gangland chorus doesnt rhyme. Well I think it deliberately doesnt. It's designed to create an effect of uncertainty and chill in the song. As if Harris wanted to make it rhyme but couldnt think of a word. Crazy to think that.
All of the songs are fantastic. The so-called less famous songs are 90% as good as the classics. Invaders foreshadowed Maiden's move into writing songs about history. It suffers marginally from lack of a strong chorus. But its fast and intense. I think Maiden are great at setting atmosphere in a song. Anyone who has seen the video for Hallowed Be Thy Name on the dvd Behind The Iron Curtain which features ancient battle clips and shots of Dickinson walking up the steps of a ruined castle tower seemingly keeping pace with the song music would know what I mean. Get that dvd too if you can.
Other highlights of this album to me are the memorable melodic choruses on songs such as The Prisoner, 22 Acacia Avenue and Run To The Hills. The Prisoner is another very under-rated song. Dickinson's voice is a major highlight of this album to me. Its strong enough to carry the music and not be lost in it, and full of range and passion.
The guitar solos here are the best Ive ever heard from any band, especially on the title track and Run To The Hills. And they are not just guys showing off. They fit in perfectly with the mood and the structure of the songs. Its almost like Murray and Smith took the small opportunity given them to really just express themselves on these solos. They sound very free and unforced, and chock full of passion. A band at its peak, just enjoying themselves, and who did it for the fans.
How does it compare to Powerslave? To be honest, I prefer this one, but not by much. Shorter songs here, more direct lyrics, more accessible no-frills sound (to the extent that Maiden can be no frills), and no fillers at all in the middle part (unlike Powerslave).
Great songs here which to my knowledge cannot be heard on any other Maiden disc are Invaders, The Prisoner and Gangland. To me, that's a great reason to get this album!! I always wonder why The Prisoner never made it on to the live set. I guess they just had too many good songs.
Maiden, a huge influence on today's bands. Great to see them still going strong in Year 2005, Selling huge numbers of tickets for the recent Scandinavian shows. And a band that didn't resort to cheap imagery and theatrics just to get some records sold. They didn't have to do it, the quality was all apparent.
Free Music Review: "I'm not a prisoner...I'm a free man!"
Hit: 5 Stars
I have a lot of respect for Iron Maiden. The first time I had heard of them was when I saw the "Run to the Hills" video on VH1. I loved the song and immediately downloaded it on my computer. From there on, I was hooked. I downloaded more Maiden songs, such as "Aces High," "The Trooper," "Can I Play with Madness," and "Flight of Icarus." My friend Korey (the_ wickerman) is a big Maiden fan and he introduced me more into the band's history. And now, since Sanctuary Records is re-releasing their entire catalog, I knew I had to buy one of their albums. And NUMBER OF THE BEAST is the one I got.What a powerful album! The entire album is loud, fast, complex, thought-provoking, and relentless in its galloping instrumental prowess. These guys are probably some of the best musicians I've ever heard, second only to Dream Theater of course. Dave Murray is an astonishing guitarist, very technical, very melodic, and he plays with real feeling. Steve Harris is a brilliant lyricist and bassist. He uses evocative imagery to paint a picture and make you feel like you're there in the song's setting. Plus, his basslines are impeccable. And Bruce Dickinson? What can be said about that guy? He can scream, wail, growl, soar, sing delicately, or all at the same time. He's not a legend for nothing. The rest of the band's chops are great.
Maiden are quite possibly the forefathers of speed metal and progressive metal. I've never heard anybody play that fast! "Invaders" details a gory battle between peasants and the Norsemen and it sounds as if Maiden is going to battle themselves (with instruments instead of swords). "Children of the Damned" is an eerie, slower-paced tune with a powerful chorus and dynamic time changes. "The Prisoner" is the catchiest song on the album, with incredibly fast guitars, killer beats, and those unmistakable Dickinson vocals. The lyrics, which are about freedom to do what you please, ring true to this day. "22 Acacia Avenue" goes on for too long and is the only weak spot on this album. All this leads to the title track and all I have to say is...DAMN! What a song! It starts with a creepy intro by horror-movie legend Vincent Price and leads right into an awesome riff with Bruce right after. Soon, Bruce hits this scream that is just...unbelievable. I love this song.
Everything else is good. I'm sure everybody knows "Run to the Hills." "Gangland" is considered by the band and critics as the album's weak spot, but it's not bad at all. Smooth jazzy drum intro by Clive Burr and great technical solo by Murray. "Total Eclipse" is a mid-tempo ode to an upcoming apocalypse. It starts out ominous and heavy for the first two minutes, goes crazy in the middle, and ends quietly. Excellent singing by Bruce on this one. "Hallowed Be Thy Name" follows and it's a 7-minute masterpiece. 'Nuff said.
Many consider NUMBER OF THE BEAST to be Maiden's peak, but that's not going to stop me from buying more of their albums. NOTB is still a heavy metal milestone.
Free Music Review: The best Iron Maiden CD EVER!
Hit: 5 Stars
If you want some truly great heavy metal that is loud, fast, guitar-melody and bass driven bliss, look no further than this album. Steve's bass work isn't up to the standards of the albums Iron Maiden or Killers, but the vocals are by far Bruce at his best. And now, let's take a look at the music, shall we?1. Invaders
The biggest bang of an Iron Maiden opening tune, even more than "Aces High" (from Powerslave).
2. Children Of The Damned
I can compare this to Metallica's "Fade To Black"; it starts with an acoustic segment and a small solo, then, after an acoustic verse, it has a heavy chorus, but is still slow. The pattern repeats itself, and afterwards, it goes into an overdrive of fast, heavy, non-stop metal.
3. The Prisoner
One of the last songs Maiden did with sort of a punk feel to it. Love the chorus.
4. 22 Acacia Avenue
The sequel to the classic "Charlotte The Harlot" (from the self-titled debut).
5. The Number Of The Beast
BEST MAIDEN SONG EVER! The intro, the verses, the riffing, the lyrics.. oh, man! Anyone who pans this song and calls themself a fan should be spanked! The second guitar solo sends chills down my spine!
6. Run To The Hills
Probably Maiden's tune that gave them the most recognition. I just don't like it nearly as much as the title track.
7. Gangland
Also has a bit of a punk feel.
8. Total Eclipse
Previously unreleased track not on the original release, but who cares? Not me. I wouldn't care if it was on the original or not.
9. Hallowed Be Thy Name
My favorite Maiden closer. Though not as epic as "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" (from Powerslave), the song truly has a teriffic riff, and there is actually less singing than there is guitar playing! The intro sends chills down my spine. If you like this and would like to hear a great take on it (and can tolerate black and/or death metal), check out the version by Cradle Of Filth (on the Lovecraft And Witch Hearts anthology).
I would rank their studio albums in this order (from the bottom to the top):
13. The X-Factor (1995)
12. No Prayer For The Dying (1990)
11. Fear Of The Dark (1992)
10. Virtual Xi (1998)
9. Brave New World (2000)
8. Dance Of Death (2003)
7. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son (1988)
6. Piece Of MInd (1983)
5. Killers (1981)
4. Iron Maiden (1980)
3. Somewhere In Time (1986)
2. Powerslave (1984)
1. Number Of The Beast (1982)
I don't own all of them (just this, Powerslave, and Dance Of Death), but on their website, I have listened to one-minute excerpts of all the songs on all their albums.
Favorite Songs from the albums (in chronological order): "Running Free," "Purgatory," "The Number Of The Beast," "The Trooper," "Aces High," "Stranger In A Strange Land," "Can I Play With Madness," "Holy Smoke," "Be Quick Or Be Dead," I don't have one on The X-Factor- I just plain hate it, "Futureal," "The Wicker Man," "Rainmaker."