The Number of the Beast (album)

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.

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

1. Invaders
2. Children Of The Damned
3. The Prisoner
4. 22 Acacia Avenue
5. Number Of The Beast
6. Run To The Hills
7. Gangland
8. Hallowed Be Thy Name

There is an extra track, "Total Eclipse," on the "enhanced" version of the CD.

Personnel

• Bruce Dickinson - Vocals
• Steve Harris - Bass
• Dave Murray - Guitar
• Adrian Smith - Guitar, Vocals
• Clive Burr - Drums

• Martin Birch - Producer, Engineer
• Nigel Green - Engineer
• Doug Hall - Producer
• Simon Heyworth - Remastering
• Rod Smallwood - Band Manager
• Derek Riggs - Cover and Sleeve Illustration
• George Chin - Photography
• Ross Halfin - Photography
• Robert Ellis - Photography
• Denis O'Regan - Photography