I know that it may be one of the most reviewed metal albums on the internet, but I need an easy one to start with. In my opinion The Number Of The Beast, is the best album from the best, defiantly most successful, NWOBHM band. While others may be partial to the more technical and progressive elements of Powerslave or Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, The Number Of The Beast is the definitive Maiden album, containing some of their best songs as well as the strongest overall track listing with not a single weak song.
When I speak of best song I'm obviously refering to Hallowed Be Thy Name, honestly that song alone makes this album worthy of a purchase. The slow start, which every Maiden fan knows by heart, builds up to trademark galloping riffs that make it easily recognisable as Maiden along with solos later in the song which put many other bands to shame. The drumming is not overdone, so no drum solos here folks , but it keeps the track going so you don't feel like you're listening to a seven minute song. Then you come to Bruce's singing, some may have prefered the rougher voice of Paul Di'anno but honestly bringing on Bruce Dickinson was the best move Steve Harris could have made and it shows on this track more than any other. It is perfect to listen on your own or sing along in the car and it gets even better live:
So that's enough idolising of Hallowed Be Thy Name, there are other tracks, which as I stated before are all very good and put other bands to shame. Run To The Hills will get special mention here, the only song that my friends that don't even like metal know the words to, it's just that catchy and as expected has the trademark galloping riffs as well as a powerful vocal display from Bruce and great solos. The title track is another great song which pushes the vocals to the limit and you guessed it has the galloping riffs giving it a real sense of energy.
While I could go on about every song I feel that if you're not going to get the album now (after 30 years you should already have it) then you never will, and I hope you enjoyed my first ever album review.
For Fans Of: Saxon, Judas Priest, Tygers Of Pang Tang
Listen to: Hallowed Be Thy Name, Run To The Hills, The Number Of The Beast
