Ark Storm is a Japanese band led by the fleet-fingered Katsu Ohta that plays neo-classical metal in the style of Adagio, Space Odyssey and Symphony X. Of course, a strong Yngwie Malmsteen and Rising Force influence is always going to be uppermost in people's mind with this style of music. Beginning Of The New Legend is the group's second album, following "No Boundaries", and Ohta impresses with his amazing fretwork, spicing up his Malmsteen-isms with his own custom flavorings. A nice inclusion is the two-minute bass solo "Evolution", with Isamu Takita showing even the four-string low-end can dazzle. Former Sabel Tiger lead man Yasuo Sasai is the vocalist of Ark Storm, while instrumental fans will love "Rood" and the two bonus instrumentals that close the album, "Serch For The Hidden Treasure" (love that spelling) and "Roar Of The Pharaoh" - a trifecta that alone would justify a hard listen. Neo-Classical Metal/Heavy Metal, total running time, 64:01