Ark

Ark emerged as a virtuoso showcase in the early 1990s after drummer John Macaluso and guitarist Tore Ostby connected through a shared rehearsal space. Following the dissolution of their respective bands, the pair recruited vocalist Jorn Lande away from the Snakes and began composing material. The group's first album appeared in 1999 and earned positive notice within metal circles, prompting the addition of bassist Randy Coven, known for his work with Steve Vai, along with keyboardist Mats Olausson from Yngwie Malmsteen's lineup, to support the creation of their second record, Burn the Sun, which came out in 2002.