Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast - 30 Year Anniversary
March 22nd 1982 saw the release of one of the most iconic heavy metal album to ever be released. Iron Maiden had already released two highly rated albums and were quickly growing in popularity. But by the time it came to record album number three it was time for a change. With the departure of vocalist Paul Di’Anno due to an increasing drug problem and the introduction of new boy Bruce Dickinson the band would go onto record the album of their career.
“Woe to you o earth and sea, for the devil sends the beast with wrath because he knows that time is short. Let him who hath understanding recon the number of the beast. For it is a human number. It’s number is six hundred and sixty six.”
Songs such as ‘Number of the Beast’, ‘Run to the Hills’ and ‘Hallowed be thy Name’ are some of Iron Maidens best known songs. Even now when fans recommend the bands music these songs will be high on the list. ‘Hallowed be thy Name’ has reportedly been played at every live show since its inception and is many of the band members favourite track. The sense of drama and the very metal lyrical theme of a prisoner facing his fate of execution makes this track a true standout. Dickinson has commented that it feels like narrating a movie to the audience in live performances. The solo section and breakdown are a sample of the band at their finest and still appeal to new generations of listeners thirty years later. Dickinsons shriek in the intro section of ‘Number of the Beast’ contributed to his title of “The air raid siren”. The build-up into that track in particular will make the hairs on the back of your next stand on end. ‘The Prisoner’ is also excellent and I would class as an underrated gem of the album. The heartfelt ‘Children of the Damned’ and the all-out rock song ’22 Acacia Avenue’ fill this album with hits.
It’s not just the music that makes this album so iconic. All the bands early artwork was created by artist Derek Riggs and this piece was one of his best. The idea of the devil controlling, Maidens mascot, Eddie, and Eddie controlling the devil is an interesting theme. Originally designed for the single ‘Purgatory’, band manager Rod Smallwood saw its potential. Over the years Eddie has become as famous as the band members themselves.
The artwork and lyrical themes caused a great deal of interest in the press. The band were accused of being Satanists and this was particularly problematic for the band in the US. Even now the band have never been able to break America in the same way that the rest of the world fell to their feet. In some countries such as Chile the Government forbid the band from playing live shows until only a few years ago, something which the band has rectified with the impending release of live album ‘EN VIVO’ recorded in Chile.
A couple of tracks on the album are unfortunately almost forgettable. Whilst they are not bad tracks they are noticeably not of the same calibre as the rest of the album. Due to the five week schedule the album had for writing and recording the band had to rush an important decision as to which song would become the B-Side for lead single ‘Run to the Hills’. The band had recorded too much and had to decide between ‘Total Eclipse’ and ‘Gangland’. ‘Total Eclipse’ was chosen and missed inclusion on the album. Steve Harris has said in interviews that the decision was the wrong one and he would have been more pleased with the album had it been the other way around. He has also expressed that ‘Invaders’ could have been replaced with something stronger but the band ran out of time. In the 1995 re-issue of ‘Number of the Beast’ the song ‘Total Eclipse’ was added to the album. Despite these minor faults the album still receives top marks.
Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the The Number of the Beast is that the album has stood the test of time. It managed something that many albums released at the time failed to do and that’s partly due to expert producer Martin Birch and his skill in managing to harness the rawness and find the perfect balance with polished production. The aggression and youthful exuberance came across but manages to hold true thirty years later. Of course this creates a problem for the band where thirty years later they still have to prove themselves against this benchmark of excellence.
If you still haven’t heard this album or wonder where to start with a band like Iron Maiden with their extensive back catalogue then I suggest you grab yourself a copy and start catching up! Also check out our very own guide on ‘Where to Start with Iron Maiden’ in the music section.
By RazorRich for mlm
Iron Maiden will release the next chapter in their live collection with ‘EN VIVO’. Recorded in front of a Chilean crowd, 50,000 devout Maiden fans are treated to a two hour set during ‘The Final Frontier World Tour’. This is a slice of Maiden history and show the bands universal appeal after more than three decades at the top of the heavy metal throne. Available in Blu Ray, DVD and CD get your copy on 26th March 2012 from all good retailers.
It’s not just the music that makes this album so iconic. All the bands early artwork was created by artist Derek Riggs and this piece was one of his best. The idea of the devil controlling, Maidens mascot, Eddie, and Eddie controlling the devil is an interesting theme. Originally designed for the single ‘Purgatory’, band manager Rod Smallwood saw its potential. Over the years Eddie has become as famous as the band members themselves.
The artwork and lyrical themes caused a great deal of interest in the press. The band were accused of being Satanists and this was particularly problematic for the band in the US. Even now the band have never been able to break America in the same way that the rest of the world fell to their feet. In some countries such as Chile the Government forbid the band from playing live shows until only a few years ago, something which the band has rectified with the impending release of live album ‘EN VIVO’ recorded in Chile.
A couple of tracks on the album are unfortunately almost forgettable. Whilst they are not bad tracks they are noticeably not of the same calibre as the rest of the album. Due to the five week schedule the album had for writing and recording the band had to rush an important decision as to which song would become the B-Side for lead single ‘Run to the Hills’. The band had recorded too much and had to decide between ‘Total Eclipse’ and ‘Gangland’. ‘Total Eclipse’ was chosen and missed inclusion on the album. Steve Harris has said in interviews that the decision was the wrong one and he would have been more pleased with the album had it been the other way around. He has also expressed that ‘Invaders’ could have been replaced with something stronger but the band ran out of time. In the 1995 re-issue of ‘Number of the Beast’ the song ‘Total Eclipse’ was added to the album. Despite these minor faults the album still receives top marks.
Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the The Number of the Beast is that the album has stood the test of time. It managed something that many albums released at the time failed to do and that’s partly due to expert producer Martin Birch and his skill in managing to harness the rawness and find the perfect balance with polished production. The aggression and youthful exuberance came across but manages to hold true thirty years later. Of course this creates a problem for the band where thirty years later they still have to prove themselves against this benchmark of excellence.
If you still haven’t heard this album or wonder where to start with a band like Iron Maiden with their extensive back catalogue then I suggest you grab yourself a copy and start catching up! Also check out our very own guide on ‘Where to Start with Iron Maiden’ in the music section.
By RazorRich for mlm
Iron Maiden will release the next chapter in their live collection with ‘EN VIVO’. Recorded in front of a Chilean crowd, 50,000 devout Maiden fans are treated to a two hour set during ‘The Final Frontier World Tour’. This is a slice of Maiden history and show the bands universal appeal after more than three decades at the top of the heavy metal throne. Available in Blu Ray, DVD and CD get your copy on 26th March 2012 from all good retailers.