(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
the_wickerman
from Some Place
This is, without a doubt, a major milestone in the world of heavy metal. It is fast, heavy, and yet melodic. And the guitars? Oh, man, the guitar work is incredible, very technical, and yet not ostentatious. It's hard to pick a favorite, I mean they're all great, but I guess the title track and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" stand out the most, mainly because they're the longest. But, it's hard to say, as everything on here is amazing. If I had to complain about anything, it'd be that the riff from "The Duellists" sounds recycled from "Losfer Words (Big Orra)", but I guarantee you won't care. As many people here have already said, this is one of the greatest metal albums of all time. I believe it is the second best album of '84, I think "Ride the Lightning" beats it out, but like, barely. I can't imagine how anyone could not like this album. Guitarists have gotta check out the fast fingerwork on "Aces High", "Flash of the Blade", and "Back in the Village". Have you figured out yet that this is a great album? You must have it, you must have it now! It's even got cool cover art (as every Maiden album does). I haven't heard every single Maiden album in its entirety, but I believe that until the mighty "Brave New World" came out, this was their best album (I know many people prefer "Number of the Beast", but many also think "Master of Puppets" is Metallica's best album, but I prefer "Ride the Lightning", it's Pepsi and Coke). Anyway, buy this album now. You won't be disappointed, and if you are, you may suffer from a serious condition of bad taste that must be treated immediately. Oh, and there's lyrics to some of the songs from "Number of the Beast" in the booklet, but I don't know why. Also, check out Iced Earth.
