THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

"Number of the Beast" is one of the heaviest metal albums ever recorded, obviously after Black Sabbath's "Mob rules": indeed, the guitars, the drums and the bass combination form here a very HEAVY and powerful texture. However, the rhythmic guitar riffs are not as sustained as on Black Sabbath's "Mob rules", and they are also faster here: that's one of the reasons that explain why "Mob rules" is heavier.

There are many melodic and catchy guitar solos, like the one on "22 Acacia Avenue". The vocals intro on the powerful "Prisoner" are taken from the TV series "The Prisoner", starring Patrick McGoohan: the track itself is VERY catchy and addictive; Dickinson's excellent vocals make this track an accessible one. The "Number of the Beast" track is UNIVERSALLY known: the diabolic & narrative style of the intro voice retains the attention; Dickinson produces an hysterical & echoed scream in the beginning; just after the fast wah-wah guitar solo, the bass - rhythmic guitars - drums ensemble attain and unprecedented rich & colorful sound: it is really IMPRESSIVE. After the melodic & twisted guitar solo on "Run to the hills", Harris goes with an amazing pattern of high & fast notes, supporting very well the extreme scream by Dickinson. "Hallowed be thy name" is practically a metal prog track, with its multiple rhythm & air changes. With this album, Iron Maiden still does not completely reach their typical sharp, incisive and clean sound, like on the next album "Piece of mind".

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!