The Medieval Soldier

From the fantasy cover art by Rodney Mathews to the fuller production and focused songwriting, 'Chase The Dragon' is an album that deservedly put Magnum on the map. Songs such as the medieval war-themed opener 'Soldier Of The Line', 'The Spirit' and 'Sacred Hour' would become live staples for decades to come while uplifting rockers like 'On the Edge of the World' struck a perfect balance between the guitar and keyboard histrionics. The album cracked the UK Top 20 but it would be a slightly bumpy road to the bigger success they enjoyed in the late '80s.

The crusaders' dilemma is clearly exemplified in the song Seigneur, saichies by Thibaut de Champagne. "He who does not leave at once for the land where Christ loved and died, and takes the cross … will hardly go to paradise" and yet in the words of another song by Thibaut "God, why did you create foreign countries? It has parted many lovers who have lost comfort of love and forgotten its joy." There was, though, a joy greater than this: "It is good to be God's servant, and not to be touched by danger or chance; Serve well and be rewarded well." (Conon de Bethune). It is still, even at a distance of 800 years very touching to read these words and to hear these songs; they retain a strong quality, which, in these performances, is captured very well.