The virtuoso showcase known as Ark were formed in the early '90s, when drummer John Macaluso and guitarist Tore Ostbybecame friends while sharing a rehearsal space. When their bands broke up, they stole singer Jorn Lande from the Snakes andstarted writing. Their debut was eventually released in 1999 to a good reception from the metal community, so they enlistedSteve Vai bassist Randy Coven and Yngwie Malmsteen keyboardist Mats Olausson to help them with their sophomore effort,2002's Burn the Sun.