Another year, another line-up change for Iron Maiden. That’s
what people had to be thinking by the time their third effort,
The Number Of The Beast, came out in 1982. In this case, out
was vocalist Paul Di’Anno, in was former Samson lead throat Bruce
Dickinson.
And, as this disc still proves today, in were the years of Iron
Maiden’s greatest successes. Dickinson proved to be a perfect match
for the band, and this disc was the quintet’s most solid release to
that point.
These days, this disc is revered for such songs as “Run To The
Hills” and “The Number Of The Beast,” easily two of Maiden’s
greatest songs. But some of the real gems were the ones not getting
regular attention. “22 Acacia Avenue,” the only song in Maiden’s
catalogue (to the best of my knowledge) that was a sequel to an
earlier song of theirs (in this case, “Charlotte The Harlot”) and
“The Prisoner” are songs which are burned into my memory, having
heard them on the only heavy metal radio program we had in Chicago
when I was a teenager.
But these songs all do share a common bond – namely, they
illustrate how much Iron Maiden had grown in two short years, and
how well the band was gelling together. With all respect meant
towards Di’Anno and his contributions to the band, Dickinson seemed
to be the perfect frontman for the group, exuding energy and
charisma that seemed to know no boundaries. His vocals also seemed
to be a shade more powerful, even if the ranges of both men’s
vocals was comparable. (Listen to Di’Anno on the early song “Women
In Uniform” if you have any doubts.)
There have been so many re-issues of this disc that you almost
need a program to keep track. (I happen to be working from the 1998
re-issue on Raw Power.) Recent re-issues include the song “Total
Eclipse,” originally supposed to be on the album but dropped at the
last minute. Its inclusion is indeed welcome, and is further proof
of how well Iron Maiden was playing as a unit.
Qualms? I have but one. Maybe it’s because I first was
experienced to the funereal live version on
Live After Death, but the introduction on “Children Of The
Damned” just feels like it’s being rushed. But, that’s a personal
quibble, and doesn’t take away from the overall power of the
song.
The Number Of The Beast didn’t stop Iron Maiden’s revolving
personnel door; drummer Clive Burr makes his final appearance with
the group on this disc. But this disc does launch the band into
realms of success they could only have dreamed of up to this point
– and the engines were just about to kick into overdrive.
There’s a reason this album has remained popular for over 20
years. All it takes is one listen to understand why.
