10 Best Third Albums In Rock And Metal History
7. The Number Of The Beast - Iron Maiden
Though they may have shared a name, the Iron Maiden that put out 1982's The Number of the Beast was not the same Iron Maiden that had put out the group's first two albums.
That band was fronted by Paul Di'anno, the lead vocalist on their self-titled debut album and its follow up, Killers. By the time the band's third record had come around, Di'anno was suffering from severe substance abuse issues and the decision was reached to have him leave the group.
After recruiting Bruce Dickinson as Di'anno's replacement, the group unleashed their next project on the world, and what a project it was.
The Number of the Beast was Maiden on a whole new level. The sounds were bigger, the riffs were chunkier, and Dickinson's impressive vocal range put Di'anno's to shame.
It may have only contained eight songs, but when those songs include "Hallowed Be Thy Name", "Run to the Hills", and the album's title track, then it really doesn't matter.
The album went to number one in the UK and has charted periodically around the world ever since. It may invoke images of hell, but this record is pure heaven for metal fans.