The third record of Iron Maiden is the one that made them stars. «The Number of the Beast» came out in 1982, at a difficult moment for the band: singer Paul Di’Anno had left and Bruce Dickinson came in his place. Many believed this would be their end, but exactly the opposite happened.
The album climbed to number one on the charts in Britain, something the band had never managed before. The dark themes of some songs provoked reactions and accusations that Iron Maiden worship the devil, which they denied. That controversy made them known in America too, where until then they had not had much success.
From the very first track, «Invaders», it is clear that the band stands firmly on its feet. Bruce’s operatic voice fit perfectly with the style of Steve Harris, who wrote most of the songs. «Run to the Hills» and «The Number of the Beast» became among the most famous tracks in the history of metal, while «Hallowed Be Thy Name» is considered by many among the best the band ever wrote.
«Children of the Damned», «The Prisoner» and «22 Acacia Avenue» also stand out, with the latter continuing the story of Charlotte from the previous record. The music is melodic and fast, with the characteristic solos of the two guitars and Harris’s bass driving the rhythm. The lyrics follow themes such as the devil and hell, with Bruce giving them a theatrical interpretation.
«The Number of the Beast» is a landmark record: it showed that heavy metal can be simultaneously popular and serious, and made Iron Maiden one of the biggest bands of the genre. Most critics put it on the list of the best albums in the history of metal, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from Sputnikmusic.
See also: Heathen played «The Prisoner» for Iron Maiden’s 50 years and The Prisoners: Iron Maiden Tribute Live in Thessaloniki
