The Number Of The Beast

Iron Maiden's 'The Number Of The Beast' is a song that delves into the realms of the occult and the struggle between good and evil. Released in 1982, it is one of the band's most iconic tracks, known for its powerful riffs and vivid storytelling. The song's lyrics draw heavily from apocalyptic imagery and the fear of demonic forces, a common theme in heavy metal music of that era.

The opening lines of the song reference a passage from the Book of Revelation in the Bible, which speaks of the end times and the coming of the beast, whose number is 666. This apocalyptic vision sets the tone for the rest of the song, which narrates a personal encounter with this dark force. The protagonist describes a night filled with haunting visions and a struggle to discern reality from nightmare. The recurring presence of the number 666 serves as a motif for the presence of evil and the influence of Satan.

As the song progresses, the protagonist witnesses a satanic ritual and feels an irresistible pull towards the dark forces at play, suggesting a loss of control or an internal battle with one's own demons. The powerful chorus, '6-6-6, the number of the beast,' is both a reminder of the beast's identity and a chilling anthem that has resonated with fans for decades. The song concludes with a declaration of the beast's intent to return and dominate, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between darkness and light, a theme that is central to much of Iron Maiden's music and the heavy metal genre as a whole.