THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

This is the record that not only introduced Bruce Dickinson to the world, but also IRON MAIDEN to new legions of fans. I know for me personally it was great to have IRON MAIDEN to listen to during the eighties.They thank UFO and JUDAS PRIEST in the liner notes, two bands that I love as well. And I have to say that the drumming of Clive Burr is quite extraordinary throughout this record.

"Invaders" and "Gangland" are both extremely fast paced songs with Clive on the drum kit keeping very busy. While "The Prisoner" is not as furious as those two, but it is also a straight forward song. "Children Of The Damned" features some nice heavy drumming with melodic guitar playing until the pace picks up 3 minutes in with some great guitar and drums. "22 Acacia Avenue" has some uptempo riffing and I know i'm being a broken record but the drumming does stand out again. I like the tempo change 4 minutes in.

"The Number Of The Beast" is a classic ! There is some amazing bass in this song and check out the guitar 3 minutes in ! This song is like a raging fire ! "Run To The Hills" opens with drums and a memorable riff and then the awesome vocals of Mr.Dickinson come in "Run to the hills...run for your lives". "Total Eclipse" is a nice heavy melodic tune that accellerates with some scorching guitar and more incredible vocals.The closing song "Hallowed Be Thy Name" has a slower paced 1 minute intro before we get that galloping rhythm that MAIDEN would become famous for, that includes some fantastic guitar and drumming. It just sounds so good !

I know many of their fans put this record at the top of the heep, but for me it's down the list a ways, not that I don't love it, it's just I prefer some of their others even more.