Iron Maiden
The Number Of The Beast

The success of this group was simply stunning, and the speed with which it became a cult was simply amazing. It was from this album that Maidenov was recognized by the whole world, although previous discs had a considerable status (gold), but still somewhat losing to later creations. It’s impossible to even convey how dear and pleasant Bruce Dickinson’s vocals are, and indeed, I think all Iron Maiden fans must agree that Bruce is the face, soul and trump card of the gang, without him Maiden is not Maiden ... After the first listening, you immediately notice how excellent the sound quality of the disc has become in comparison with previous works, and in general it can be said to be extremely original and individual, not to mention the textbook riffs, and melodic, purely Maiden solos, which have taken on a more complex and fancy color (which is worth one solo in “Children Of The Damned" reminiscent of the most crazy and fancy stuff by Yngwie Malmsteen!). The album opens with the provocative action movie "Invaders", which tells about the Viking invasion of England and, in fact, is a continuation of the old song "Invasion" - the band's lyrics have always had a certain historical or philosophical character (although there was quite enough mysticism in them, remember the name of the song in question). album, during the recording of which, by a strange accident, there were a lot of cataclysms and inexplicable incidents), which is where the whole genius of the team is hidden, since in those distant times similar groups in heavy metal performed stupid songs about rock and roll, and these guys already from the first album they had quite serious and difficult lyrics. The Prisoner is based on the 1960s English TV series starring Patrick McGoohan. At one time, this series became a cult. In the film, a British secret agent leaves his job and flees to a place called "The Village", where people use numbers instead of names. He is number 6. The lower the number, the higher the step in the hierarchy, and in general the song is very strong - it starts with a monologue and continues with cool and technical drum parts, tapping, as if to build up before a high-speed chopper. The strangest and most pretentious song is, I think, the title "The Number Of The Beast" inspired by the movie "Omen II" with a quote at the beginning of the song taken from the Revelation of John the Theologian 0 many people thought (and still think) that Satanism propaganda is hidden in it, but in fact, Steve Harris explains it all as something he saw in a dream. The composition "Run To The Hills" became an unprecedented hit, in general it is the simplest and most uncomplicated song on the disc, to match such classics as "Iron Maiden" or "Wrathchild", although it leaves a simply magnificent impression, and does not go out of the general musical canvas, its textual concept is also interesting, telling about the history of the extermination of the Indians by the pale-faced. It is impossible not to mention the incomparable ballad "Children Of The Damned" inspired by the film of the same name, unfortunately, now the time for such wonderful calm masterpieces has sunk into oblivion, and attempts to create at least something similar to a lingerie are hardly given to men. The last noteworthy tracks are "22 Acacia Avenue", written back in the days when Smith hunted in his old band Urchin (it seemed to me a little overlong), "Hallowed Be Thy Name" is without a doubt a Masterpiece with a capital letter, especially it's a pity that there are only two such coolest monsters in the discography of the guys, perhaps only "The Trooper" can somehow compete with her. And the last track "Gangland" is a thing written by Clive Barr and Adrian Smith, it was influenced by jazz, at the beginning some strange drum parts are used, leaving one bewildered because of their lack of coherence and uncharacteristic for the music of this group. On the re-released version of the album, the composition "Total Eclipse" was also released - such a strange action movie, but with very driving riffs and a crazy, hurricane solo part, it somehow does not fit into the overall picture. In general, a wonderful work - leaving the impression of a whirlwind that swept over your head, of course, it is my favorite in the work of the Iron Maiden, but even despite this, I can objectively advise all beginners and others to get acquainted with the group through this disc, and even for those who listens to heavy music completely "The Number Of The Beast" is a must-have.

Perfect press! Clean and clear sound. of course, classics album. You need it in your collection. The Number of The Beast, Run to The Hills and of course, Hallowed be Thy name are there!