"The birth of ARK can be traced back to 1990, where a friendship was struck between TNT drummer John Macaluso and Conception guitarist Tore Østby. The two bands had shared rehearsal space in the town of Toten in Norway and after the break of TNT, the two musicians decided to begin a musical project that would satisfy both of their musical appetites. After an arduous search for the right vocalist, the right man came in the guise of Jørn Lande who was singing for The Snakes (with Bernie Marsden & Mickey Moody). Coming from commercial hard rock bands, the trio were consciously trying to create something very different. They decided they wanted to drop all commercial barriers and clichés and write whatever came naturally."

The bio was taken from ARK's official site, at www.arksite.com.

ARK (2000) SENSORY

Every now and then there comes a new band that just blows you away. ARK is such a band. Their form of progressive metal is breathtaking. The term "thinking man's metal" applies here, and it's a band filled with excellent musicians. Jørn Lande (Masterplan, Yngwie Malmsteen, Millenium, etc.) is one of the worlds best vocalists, and here he is done justice. His style fits the music perfectly. The music is best described as 70's prog rock, with 90's power metal production (hmm, doesn't really say much). Try imagining Conception, Kamelot or Balance Of Power playing Genesis, Rush or ELP. That's what I think it sounds like. There are so much to grasp on this album, it's impossible to get it all in with just a few listening. The album grows on you, like any good album should. All I can do is to highly recommend it!!

Killer tracks: Burning Down, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Can't Let Go

BURN THE SUN (2001) FAVORED NATIONS

Another stellar prog-metal album from these Norwegians. A couple of new members have joined the team since last time, but the music is virtually unchanged. There are some new elements here though. Most noticeably the calypso-rhythms! After first listen, I wasn't overly impressed. But every time I listen to it now, I sit back in awe, enjoying every aspect of the album. The music, the lyrics, the production, together creating a symbiosis of sound so tight, it's breathtaking. My brother emailed me an MP3-file with the song "Resurrection" a long time ago. I couldn't stop listening to it back then, and it is still my favorite track on the album. Any fans of the "thinking man's" metal genre, this is a MUST. Thanks to Scott for hooking me up with a copy.

Killer tracks: Actually all of them, but check out "Burn The Sun", "Resurrection", "Feed The Fire" and "I Bleed"

Jørn Lande guest appearances:

Avantasia - 'Lost In Space Part 1'

Avantasia - 'Lost In Space Part 2'

Avantasia - 'The Scarecrow'

Related artists:

Conception, TNT, Jorn, Masterplan, Vagabond, Mundanus Imperium, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Millenium, Starbreaker, Beyond Twilight, Nikolo Kotzev's Nostradamus