Yesterday evening, the popular Swedish band The Ark released a press statement telling of their intention to go seperate ways during the course of 2011.
The band have existed and enjoyed a large fan base in many countries but in Sweden especially for the last 20 years. The band was formed in 1991 and released their debut album We Are The Ark in 2000. Their definitive breakthrough came the same year, with the singles Let Your Body Decide and It Takes A Fool To Remain Sane, which both became massive radio hits. Since then their career has continued to go from strength to strength. Fronted by charismatic singer Ola Salo, the group have undisputedly brought their own touch of glam to the Swedish music scene over the years.
According to their manager and spokesperson Jon Gray, the decision is one which the band have agreed upon, stating that they think "it’s time life moved on. They still remain friends and are proud of what they have accomplished together. I think they think it’s better to quit while still on top." The band promise that all of their fans will have a proper opportunity to say goodbye to the band when they embark on their farewell tour this coming spring. A major summer tour will follow, which according to their website will be "a firework display of hits and communal singsong".
February will see the release of their compilation album Arkeology, containing 20 tracks. Two new tracks, Breaking Up With God and The Apocalypse is Over, both written and composed by frontman Ola Salo will be included on the album.
The Ark represented Sweden at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki with The Worrying Kind, which, despite their huge popularity and the song’s catchy retro feel, only managed a dissappointing 18th place with 51 points.
