10 Greatest Metal Anthems Of All Time
2. The Number Of The Beast - Iron Maiden
There had been metal before Iron Maiden, but by the time the band had hit their stride in the 80's, they had perfected what would become modern-day metal. While the band had success on earlier releases, the point of no return came when the band unleashed "The Number of the Beast."
Starting with a chilling Vincent Price opening, vocalist Bruce Dickinson sings in a hushed tone before delivering one of the greatest screams that has ever been laid to tape on a metal record. From there, we're off as we are told the story of a man who stumbles upon a Satanic ritual in the woods.
The song's relentless rhythm mirrors the man's uneasiness as he tries to escape the cult's clutches, but it is no use as he is put under their spell and goes to spread the word of Satanic pleasure.
There had been great songs before and after this record, but "The Number of the Beast" will remain Maiden's most classic metal moment. As the band continues to play on to this day, the chant of "666" is sure to be ringing in the ears of fans for many years to come.