The 1982 Listening Post - Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast

 Reviewed by John Tommasino

Released: March 22 1982 Iron Maiden The Number Of The Beast Genre: Heavy Metal/NWOBHM Allen’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5 John’s Rating: 5 out of 5 Highlights: 22, Acacia Avenue Run To The Hills Hallowed Be Thy Name First of all, Iron Maiden is my favorite band of all time so I admit that is impossible to write an objective review. But I will try. Iron Maiden had put out two impressive high energy records with lead singer Paul Di'Anno and the band was building some serious momentum in the world of music. But behind the scenes, Di'Anno was rubbing a lot of people the wrong way with his brash attitude and unprofessional antics. If you get a chance, read the Maiden biography "Run to the Hills" by Mick Wall. Wall describes a typical Di'Anno episode when the maiden frontman mouthed off to Gene Simmons of Kiss when Simmons was paying the band a genuine bit of praise. Bassist Steve Harris and maiden manager Rod Smallwood had had enough. But switching vocalists before recording their third record was a big gamble. Fortunately Samson lead singer Bruce Dickinson was ready to take the band to a whole new level. The Number of the Beast is an epic metal album. From the opening track chronicling a medieval battle in 'Invaders' to the man contemplating his impending death in 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' this record delivers the metal goods like no one had before. Standouts include the title track and the first single released "Run to the Hills" but the whole record is solid prime metal. "22 Acacia Avenue" continues a story about a prostitute named Charlotte in epic form. The evocative title track reminds me of cinematic depictions of occult activity and I have no doubts that this song fueled the Satanic Panic of the 1980s...despite the cartoonish Derrick Riggs cover depicting Maiden mascot Eddie towering over the devil himself and pulling the strings of the prince of darkness. Even lesser known tracks like "Gangland" carry out a showcase for drummer Clive Burr and Harris on bass. Dickinson's operatic vocals prove to be more than a good fit for the group. The gamble paid off in spades. Without Dickinson I doubt the band would have evolved into the metal legends they are today. Give this album its due, it's a great one!