[Iron Maiden-The Number Of The Beast-1982][Friends, 6 ALL-TIME FAVE TRACKS: Invaders, The Prisoner, 22 Acacia Avenue, The Number Of The Beast, Run To The Hills, Hallowed Be Thy Name]

Well, no denying it, this is what made Iron Maiden famous. I think the previous reviewer had it all covered, but i must just state that this limited edition comes with the song "Total Eclipse" (Not on the original vinyl, which i happen to own). Total Eclipse is worth buying it for, but you got 3 other of the most famous maiden songs ever -- Run To The Hills, Number of the Beast, and Hallowed Be Thy Name. Of course the others are good, too.. 22, Acica Ave., Prisoner, Invaders,etc.

Now what was that one fault?

Gangland. Not that it's really bad, it just doesnt feel right. If it had another song on there instead of Gangland, it'd be an even better CD.

After nearly 5 years, Steve Harris finally set up a line-up for the band he had created in 1976, Iron Maiden. With the release of their first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers, the band were coming known for their post-punk heavy metal sound in England. It wasn't until they dropped singer Paul Di'Anno and brought in a new singer that their music would be heard worldwide.

On their third album, Number Of The Beast, released in 1982, the band removed singer Paul Di'Anno, whose vocal style set an attitude for their earlier punk-influenced music, and brought in singer Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson's range and ability was much more than that of Di'Anno's and although people feared the transition, it turned out well in the end. On guitars were the duo of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, whose tight harmonies and rhythms blazed unlike any band of the time. Band founder and "main man" Steve Harris always lets himself be heard and he is everywhere on thi album. He runs through all the classic blistering bass lines and keeps a steady beat with the drums. Provided by Clive Burr, the drumming is incredibly good; very strong, consistant and powerful. Out of the three albums he was on, Burr's drumming is best here.

The music itself is classic Maiden. The album starts off hard with Invaders. All the instruments come in hard and play the perfect riffs and beats. The drumming is masterful, the bass is pounding and the guitars harmonizes while rocking hard. This is the song that introduces "the new guy" to the fans as Dickinson shows off some range with his signature wailing. Next is Children Of The Damned, which can be related to Remember Tomorrow in a way. The song starts off with slow guitars and bass and erupts into an all-out distorted song. Dickinson's vocals shine here because again, he is showing the fans what he is all about and sings extremely well during the verses. The guitar is classic Maiden power-chord progression and the rhythm is nice and tight. The Prisoner is a pretty heavy song, guitar-wise. The verses are filled with heavy guitars and a slow rhythm before breaking to the extremely catchy chorus.

22 Acacia Avenue is a continuation of the story of Charlotte The Harlot from the self-titled debut. The guitars are great with a some hard and loud power chords while Burr absolutely rocks the drumset. Number Of The Beast is a Maiden classic. From the catchy chorus to the dualing guitars to the consistancy of the rhythm; this song has all the signature Iron Maiden features. This song is basically impeccable but is overshadowed by the next song, probably their most popular song in the history of the band: Run To The Hills. Once the drums start off right in the beginning, you know whats coming. The classic lyrical plot, the start of the "Iron Maiden Gallop", the pounding rhythm and awesome guitar work, especially in the solo. This song is wonderful and just shows what makes Iron Maiden so great and innovative.

Gangland is considered the worst track here but I really like it. The drumming here is very cool and the guitar is really nice. The vocals here are really cool. I don't really understand why not many people like it. Even the band didn't really like it. Total Eclipse is great song. The guitars are pretty heavy and the bass is good, playing in line with the solid drum beats. The album ends with another classic song: Hallowed Be Thy Name. This song is another one of the Maiden song that has basically everything. The opening guitar is creepy and the vocals set an eerie mood. Then, the guitars switch to distorted and harmonious while the bass creeps up from behind. Throughout the song, Dickinson keeps up with the band's speed while the guitars harmonize and the rhythm pounds. An awesome closing song.

Iron Maiden began to come into their own with this album, as they began to write more complex and innovative lyrics and music. Proclaimed as one of their best albums, Iron Maiden has influenced a great deal of today's bands while still managing to rock arenas around the world. I definitely recommend this to all Maiden fans and to some metal fans. Definitely check this album out. Its worth it.

One of the top 10 albums in heavy metal history.