The Number of the Beast is a heavy metal album released in 1982 (see 1982 in music) by Iron Maiden, and is widely considered to be one of the most influential albums in the genre. The "number of the beast" to which the title refers is the number 666, mentioned in
the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible.
Even though Iron Maiden was on the brink of worldwide superstardom after its breakthrough sophomore effort, Killers, vocalist Paul Di'Anno left the band at the conclusion of its 1981 world tour. The Number of the Beast is thus vocalist Bruce Dickinson's debut album with the band.
Bruce ripped through the old Maiden material like the Grim Reaper on speed, and entered the Heavy Metal scene all guns blazing, sending the NWOBHM across the international frontier.
The album made UK Number 1, with the singles Run To The Hills making number 35, and the track Number Of The Beast making number 18.
On the Billboard Music Charts, "Hallowed Be Thy Name" hit #50 on the Mainstream Rock chart. The album peaked at #33 and #150 on the Pop Albums and Billboard Top 200, respectively.
Track listing
- Invaders
- Children Of The Damned
- The Prisoner
- 22 Acacia Avenue
- Number Of The Beast
- Run To The Hills
- Gangland
- Hallowed Be Thy Name
There is an extra track, "Total Eclipse," on the "enhanced" version of the CD.
Personnel
- Bruce Dickinson - Vocals Conan The Librarian
- Steve Harris - Bass 'Arry
- Dave Murray - Guitar
- Adrian Smith - Guitar, Backing Vocals H
- Clive Burr - Drums
- Martin 'farmer' Birch - Producer, Engineer
- Nigel 'it wasn't working yesterday' Hewitt-Green - Engineer
- Rod Smallwood - Band Manager
- Ross Halfin - Photography (Main Photographer)
- Derek Riggs - Cover and Sleeve Illustration
- Enhanced CD Edition
- Simon 'chope 'em out' Heyworth - Digital Remastering
- Doug Hall - Producer
- Supplementary Photographers
- George Chin - Photography
- Robert Ellis - Photography
- Denis O'Regan - Photography
Recorded at Battery Studios London
