Iron Maiden
The Number Of The Beast

Yet another review of an album like "The Number Of The Beast"? Why? Because it’s atrocious, and I say that as a longtime fan of Iron Maiden. I have read all sorts of takes, but when it is claimed to be the best Maiden album of all time, well, damn, it’s truly laughable.

First off, the elements: Dickinson: coming from Samson (big deal), sings all the songs the same way, that is by shouting. Shouting is not singing, Di'Anno sang, Dio sings, Gillan sings and screams, but damn it, with style and only when necessary. Harris: creativity is finished, maybe because Di'Anno is missing? Bah... Guitars? Not there. Burr: the only one who survives, and in fact, he left after. Let's not even comment on McBrain, who does with the drums what Dickinson does with his voice. Anyway, for sloppiness’ sake, let's get to the tracks: Invaders: the verse is nice, just that. When Dickinson sings the chorus with the ignoble, childish bass line that follows, I feel like crying. The Prisoner: I’m not a number, I’m a free man. Damn, what profound lyrics Bruce. Beyond the opening (thanks Burr), the rest is forgettable.

Acacia Avenue: was there really a need to go back to the same old theme? If you go with the same one every time, it’s like having a wife. Same thing for this monstrosity. Run To The Hills: what do Native Americans have to do with it? And above all, a song that's all the same, with the chorus repeated ad nauseam, what the hell could it be if not a filler? And why the hell do they repeat it at every concert? Gangland: not present. Apart from the initial cymbals (thanks Burr), the rest goes nowhere, an ignoble hodgepodge of mediocre sounds and sloppily sung. As always. The Number Of The Beast: they say it's one of the best metal tracks ever, but I find it an abyss of boredom. Sorry, is there a sacrifice? Can you point me to the address? Again, this one is repeated to death in every form. And now for what is salvageable. I would call this an EP at this point.

Children Of The Damned: damn, you see Bruce, that if you “feel” the lyrics, then you can sing them? And why haven't you done that with the other songs? Anyway, a metal-melancholic ballad with extraordinary highs (and those deep ones). This is Iron Maiden, this is METAL, the metal paved by the Priest's "Dreamer Deceiver". Life that opens up only the abyss of damnation and the desperate, real, scream that ends your inhuman sufferings. Hallowed Be Thy Name: this is the masterpiece of the EP, and perhaps one of the ten METAL songs of all time. No comment, curae leves loquuntur, ingentes stupent (Seneca, Dialogues). So it is with joy. Five stars for just these two.