Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast (1982)

For me, this was the album that started it all, literally forced to purchase the cassette when I was around 13/14 years old, and things haven't been the same since.
From the fantastic artwork, Maiden's third opus, and first to feature Bruce Dickinson on vocals, is my favourite from the band. Admittedly, I haven't been much of a fan, but 'The Number...' has all the metal magic every great rock album should possess. From the satanic title track (well, it seemed satanic at the time), to the thumping anthem of 'Run To The Hills' and sleazy favourite, '22 Acacia Avenue', this is true metal mastery, spewing fiery chords, a bubbling Steve Harris bass and Bruce's recognisable yowl. Any self-respecting teen in the 1980s wanting to to get into metal would no doubt have been mesmerised by Maiden at the time, alongside other metal kings such as W.A.S.P. , Ozzy Osbourne and even bands such as Kiss who relied more on image than sound.
'The Number Of The Beast' remains a classic album, a bible for any metal fan who'll lap up the creeping 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' and brilliant 'The Prisoner'. Even so, many years later this record keeps its edge and hasn't succumbed to the corny glories of the past.
8.5/10