Legendary Iron Maiden released their debut album 25 years ago. That's one thing the band are celebrating with this single, and other one is the international chart success of their fabulous double DVD 'The History of Iron Maiden - Part 1: The Early Years' (2004). 'The Number of the Beast' was originally released as a single in 1982 and it did hit number 1 spot on British chart. Now, the song is released as a single again in three different formats (enhanced CD, 7" vinyl with a poster calendar and 12" picture vinyl). Sadly, I only managed to get the CD version today. I think there's some problems in producing those vinyls. When I get the missing ones, this review will be updated immediately.

It's 2005, so the CD is enhanced with a couple of video clips. Macromedia's director is used again and the videos are in Apple's Quicktime format, because it'll run on both PC and Mac computers. My PC doesn't like Quicktime, or then there's something wrong with the clips. I couldn't run 'em well from the CD and copied them on my harddisk. Worker much better, but there's still some annoying cracks in the sound. Camp Chaos version can be found as hidden easter egg on that history DVD, so didn't need it with worse sound and picture quality. Live version is nice one, especially for those who were at the show, so they can spend hours spotting themselves from the crowd. The band is in a funnier mode than usually. There's slightly x-rated material included, but don't wanna spoil it for you. And set is same of on 'Brave New World Tour'. About live audio: not bad versions performance-wise ('Hallowed Be Thy Name' is very much like 'Rock in Rio's [2002] version, by the way), but sound isn't top notch. A bit muddy in general and kick drum sound "breaks". Packaging sucks, as there's only 2-sided cardboard! A tip: digipaks! Or something a bit more special anyways.

I am waiting for those vinyl versions, especially that pic disk. This CD didn't fulfill my expectations, not even close. Hopefully I can soon better the score...

Rating: 3 (out of 10)

Reviewed by Lane
01/07/2005 20:37

12" picture vinyl is a beautiful sight in the eyes of Iron Maiden/Derek Riggs/Eddie fan. In 1982, this kind of thing was not released, so I'm a happy fan! It was requested by the fans over the years, so thanks!

It reads, that the band and the label "have made a donation from the sale of this single to the Clive Burr MS trust fund", which is not printed on CD. So this version rules!!!

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/17/2005 20:37