The virtuoso showcase known as Ark was formed in the early '90s, when drummer John Macaluso and guitarist Tore Ostby became friends while sharing a rehearsal space. When their bands broke up, they stole singer Jorn Lande from the Snakes and started writing. Their debut was eventually released in 1999 to a good reception from the metal community, so they enlisted Steve Vai ba**ist Randy Coven and Yngwie Malmsteen keyboardist Mats Olausson to help them with their sophomore effort, 2002's Burn the Sun. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide