BURN THE SUN

Ark was a norwegian band consisting of a bunch of guys incredibly skilled at their respective instruments. Fronted by Jørn Landes amazing voice, backed up by Tore Østby's, John Macaluso's, Randy Coven's and Mats Olaussen's impressive work, Ark really is one of my favourite groups of all time, and one of the first progressive bands I heard.

Now, to the actual music. Ark is categorized as Progressive Metal, and that tag may cause a lot of people to think "oh, yeah, another Dream Theater clone...". I hardly think one could be further from the truth. Ark may have some similar elements(for example the fact that the band consists of artists who may very well be called virtuosos), but I feel their sound and style is very unique. One of the things that contributes to this unique sound is the fact that Østby experiments with a lot of different guitar styles, for example you can check out the intro to Just A Little. Playing that on my guitar is on my "top 10 list of things to do before I die"(well, I don't actually have such a list, but if I did, this would definitely be on it!).

Playing the record, you can feel all the instruments equally taking part into making the sound that is Ark. Each and every member contribute, and they are all given their place in the spotlight. Still, I have to admit that Olaussen isn't as prominent as the other members, which is a shame really, because I think he's a skilled keyboardist and the times he does stand out, he does a very good job(eventhough I'm not really a huge fan of Missing You. I think it's boring compared to the rest, and the keyboards on it are kinda dull). I have no complaints on the others, I am especially pleased with Coven's ability to do the creative work he does playing the bass, especially when such prominent artists as Østby and Macaluso are playing drums and guitar - instruments that usually 'steal' much more attention than bass. Jørn Lande is as always an impressive vocalist, with a very strong voice which I think he uses the best way he can.

Concerning the songs, I think the entire record is filled with incredibly varied and impressive tracks. Heal The Waters really gives the record a heavy start, and it's definitely one of the most outstanding tracks. Other favourites of mine are Burn The Sun, Just A Little and Resurrection, but with a slight exception of most of Missing You, I think every single track on the record is strong and unique. After listening through the record, I don't feel that they have repeated themselves or stepped into any boring patterns, everything has it's own touch.I do have a slight complain though, I some times have a feeling that the vocal work on a few choruses in a few songs feel a bit boring or simply not very creative.

In case I didn't express it enough before: My biggest complaint(of the very select few complaints I have) to this album must be Missing You. I dislike the sound of the keyboard in it, I dislike how the boring keyboard line is played solo along with the vocals, and in general, I think the song is boring, and it just doesn't "reach me" in anyway, except for a small part in the middle.

Listening to this album while writing this review really confirmed my opinion that it deserves 5 stars, despite the slight disappointment that Missing You (in my opinion) is.

So, if you haven't already tried out one of the most interesting bands(which unfortunately broke up and propably never will get back together) of newer progressive music(and music in general!) it's about time you give Burn The Sun the spot in your collection which it deserves! It's truly a shame(or maybe a blessing?) that Ark never again will replicate or make a follow-up of this amazing piece of musical mastership.

PS: This is my first review, and the album is one of the first real prog albums I ever was introduced to, so I might be just a little bit biased. ;)

Share this ARK review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to magnus
• Report this review (#108971)
• Buy ARK music online with PA partners
• Show all ARK MP3/Stream
• Go to ARK page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Burn The Sun page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ARK related discussions