Ark

The virtuoso showcase known as Ark were 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 bassist Randy Coven and Yngwie Malmsteen keyboardist Mats Olausson to help them with their sophomore effort, 2002's Burn the Sun. ~ Bradley Torreano