The Number of the Beast — Iron Maiden album
Third studio album by Iron Maiden, released 22 March 1982. First with singer Bruce Dickinson; propelled the band to international success, produced notable singles and stirred controversy over its imagery.
The Number of the Beast is the third studio album by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 22 March 1982. It was the group's first record with vocalist Bruce Dickinson and marked a turning point in their career, expanding their audience beyond the UK. The album combined aggressive guitar work, driving bass lines and narrative lyrics to reach a broader international audience. For basic discography details see the album entry.
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Background and recording
Following the departure of the previous singer, Iron Maiden recruited Bruce Dickinson and went into the studio with producer Martin Birch. The sessions produced a tighter, more dramatic sound and showcased a new vocal range and stage persona. The personnel and credits are detailed in many band histories and can be consulted at band resources.
Music, themes and notable tracks
Musically the record blends melodic hooks with heavy riffs and galloping rhythms. Lyrical topics range from historical events and warfare to horror and literary references. Standout songs include the singles Run to the Hills and the title track, as well as fan favourites such as Hallowed Be Thy Name. Sample tracklists and song notes are available at the official pages and fan guides: track information.
Release, reception and controversy
On release the album topped the UK Albums Chart and reached the top 40 of the US Billboard 200, helping establish Iron Maiden internationally. It earned strong reviews from many rock publications and remains influential in the heavy metal genre. The striking cover artwork and the title provoked backlash from some religious groups and sparked debates about alleged occult themes; these controversies and their contemporary coverage can be examined in press archives: press coverage.
Legacy and influence
The Number of the Beast is often cited as a defining record of early 1980s metal, influencing subsequent bands and cementing the band’s mascot, Eddie, as an iconic image in metal culture. Its songs remain staples of Iron Maiden's live shows and continue to appear on retrospective lists and reissues; for reissue and chart histories see release history and catalog resources at chart records.
Personnel and artwork
The core lineup on the album included Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Steve Harris (bass and principal songwriter), Dave Murray and Adrian Smith (guitars) and Clive Burr (drums). The cover art, painted by Derek Riggs, features the band’s mascot and contributed to the record’s strong visual identity. Further credits and design notes are listed on collector and archive pages: credits and artwork details.
- Release date: 22 March 1982
- Notable singles: "Run to the Hills", "The Number of the Beast"
- Chart highlights: UK Albums Chart No. 1; US Billboard 200 top 40
The album's combination of memorable melodies, topical songwriting and theatrical presentation helped define Iron Maiden's sound and image for decades. For further reading, consult official band materials and curated music histories linked above.
Questions and answers
Q: What is The Number of the Beast?
A: The Number of the Beast is the third album by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
Q: When was The Number of the Beast released?
A: The Number of the Beast was released on 22 March 1982.
Q: Who sang for Iron Maiden in The Number of the Beast album?
A: Bruce Dickinson sang for Iron Maiden in The Number of the Beast album.
Q: What did The Number of the Beast do for Iron Maiden?
A: The Number of the Beast made Iron Maiden famous worldwide.
Q: What are some of the subjects that the songs in The Number of the Beast album cover?
A: The songs in The Number of the Beast album cover many different subjects, such as war, history and films.
Q: What are the singles from The Number of the Beast album?
A: The singles from The Number of the Beast album are "Run to the Hills" and "The Number of the Beast".
Q: What were the chart positions of The Number of the Beast album?
A: The Number of the Beast album was number one on the UK Albums music chart and also went into the top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.
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AlegsaOnline.com The Number of the Beast — Iron Maiden album Leandro Alegsa
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