CHASE THE DRAGON

From the fantasy cover art by Rodney Mathews to the bigger production (Kansas producer Jeff Glixman) 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.

While songwriter Tony Clarkin is somewhat still wearing the Prog and AOR influences on his sleeve, the British quirks that set the band apart from the obscenely commercial US bands were well and truly in place here. The expanded edition is worth investing in as it includes the excellent galloping heavy rock song 'Back To Earth', 'Hold Back Your Love' and live versions of some of the songs- although the guitar appears to be somewhat thin in the mix. Also, the original release of this album contained 8 songs and clocked in under 40 minutes making it more emphatic than some of the group's current releases which-while solid- would not be hurt by some self-editing and fresh production choices.

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