The Number Of The Beast
by Iron Maiden

From HoldenM 06/19/2026 18:44 | #314973

As someone who isn't a metal fan, I must say, this knocked me on my ass. I wouldn't say The Number of the Beast lacks aggression, but it's not trying to assault me with as much volume and sonic density as possible. For all of its dark themes and heavy playing, it's a soulful and often colorful collection of songs. Each one essential and captivating, and performed with the utmost precision. An absolute banger of a record.

You only have to look at an Iron Maiden Set List to see their best works, it's all here, their Jewel in the crown album.

Typically not a fan of this genre of metal, but there are some good moments. The title track and the instrumental ending to 22 Acacia Avenue are good.

I don't understand why this is so low rated. Three great tracks and arguably the best metal song of all time in Hallowed be Thy Name.

I don't know, maybe this is a "had to be there" type album, but I'm really not getting much out of it. The lyrics are almost childish, the artwork is eye-roll-worthy, and the music just sounds formulaic and poppy. Of course, there is probably something to be said for Iron Maiden creating that formula in the first place, but divorced from context this is just a pretty uninteresting listen for me. The only thing breathing life into these songs is the flashy in-your-face guitar solos.
TLDR: at best, this hasn't aged well.

This is a huge album in the genre and it is easy to see why when you listen to it as there is so much to love on here. This is probably the groups most consistent work with every song having some quality on it. The peak of the album is the sensational title track and also the closer Hallowed Be Thy Name which finishes the record in style. The album just feels so cohesive with most songs going into the same sort of themes and all matching in style but being very different in terms of composition which eliminates the repetitive feel you can get on similar releases in this genre. The performances are outstanding with the drums and guitar being some of the best I have heard from the group. Even the weakest song on the album, which is Gangland, has great moments and a brilliant guitar section on there. Overall, this is a must listen album in the genre and is Iron Maiden's strongest musical display.

Metal and heavy rock isn't where I normally go but I have started to listen to some of those more iconic albums identified on this site and I am starting to find a bit of a love for this area that has really surprised me. So I'm only listening to this album in Oct 2022 - Run to the Hills and Children of the Damned along with the title track I realised I had heard before, But this album rocks.

This is definitely in top 5 heavy metal records of all time. It contains two metal masterpieces - 22 Acacia Avenue and Hallowed Be Thy Name - these songs are literally perfect, but the rest holds up really well including excellent Number Of The Beast and catchy Run To The Hills. The only weak points for me are chorus of The Prisoner which has not aged very well and Gangland - it is not bad, but in my opinion pointless. Overall, this is peak of NWOBHM and crowning achievement of that era.

Alright record

From pedro1976 05/02/2022 06:01 | #284862

Album of the year. 1982