IRON MAIDEN The Number Of The Beast Vinyl Record LP EMI 1982 UK 1st Pressing A-2/B-4 Matrix

Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Best
(Original UK 1st Pressing in Picture Sleeve, complete with lyric inner sleeve. A-2/B-4 Matrix)

Format: Vinyl Record - LP Album (33 rpm)
Country: UK
Year: 1982
Label: EMI
Catalogue No. EMC 3400

Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout, stamped, etched): EMC 3400 A-2 1 GIVE IT SOME HEADBUTTS 1
Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout, stamped): EMC 3400 B-4 1 1 NICKZ

Condition: EX/EX (Sleeve, inner sleeve and vinyl are all in excellent clean condition)

Track Listing:
1. Invaders
2. Children Of The Damned
3. The Prisoner
4. 22, Acacia Avenue
5. The Number Of The Beast
6. Run To The Hills
7. Gangland
8. Hallowed Be Thy Name

This rare original 1982 UK 1st pressing of Iron Maiden’s The Number of the Beast represents a definitive pinnacle for New Wave of British Heavy Metal collectors. Released on the EMI label under catalogue number EMC 3400, this debut for Bruce Dickinson remains one of the most culturally significant LPs in the history of heavy rock. This specific archival copy is distinguished by its highly sought-after early-run matrix numbers, featuring the A-2 and B-4 stamps. These include the legendary hand-etched "GIVE IT SOME HEADBUTTS" on Side A and the "NICKZ" signature on Side B, providing the authentic high-fidelity audio experience that only an original 1st pressing can deliver.
 

Unlike later digital remasters, this pressing captures the raw power and intricate production of Martin Birch in its true analogue form. The record is housed in its original picture sleeve and includes the essential lyric inner sleeve, both preserved in excellent condition. Graded as EX/EX, the vinyl retains a brilliant high-gloss lustre with minimal signs of play, ensuring a clean and immersive listen from the opening gallop of "Invaders" to the atmospheric finale of "Hallowed Be Thy Name".
 

For the serious investor or completionist, this UK first issue is more than just a record; it is a museum-grade piece of music history. Finding this landmark album with such specific technical identifiers and in such well-preserved condition is increasingly rare, making it an essential acquisition for any premier vinyl archive or investment-grade collection focused on the golden era of British metal.