Sarpsborg quintet Power Metal band with a highly rated Icelandic vocalist, ARTCH formed in 1982 by guitarist Cato Olsen (a.k.a. "Cat Andrew") and bassist Bernt A. Jansen ("Brent Jansen"). The group underwent numerous line-up changes before drummer Jorn Jamissen ("Jack James") and second guitarist Geir Nilssen ("Gill Neill") joined in 1984 from OXYGEN.

The band's original vocalist, Lars Fladeby was superseded in 1985 by Espen Hoff. Tragically, Hoff was soon after killed in a motorbike accident, so Erikur Hauksson (who later adopted the pseudonym Eric Hawk), and who had previously been a contestant for Iceland's Eurovision song entry, was poached from Icelandic Metal band DRYSILL. The self-financed debut 'Another Return', issued during 1988 by the enterprising Active label formed by 'Metal Forces' publishers Bernard Doe and Dave Constable, was met with rave reviews from the world's Metal press.

In 1991, the year second album 'For The Sake Of Mankind' appeared on Brian Slagel's Metal Blade label. That December drummer Jørn Jamissen would be superseded by Gudmund Bolsgård. ARTCH performed at the Icelandic 'Breaking The Ice' festival alongside THUNDER, THE QUIREBOYS and BULLETBOYS.

Hawk contributes guest vocals to the debut GARDENIAN album 'Soulburner' issued in 1999. Bernt Jansen would be active with Glam Rock band WIG WAM during 2004. On 17th April in Sarpsborg ARTCH held a special commemorative gig to celebrate the issue of their first DVD. This performance included a reunion with erstwhile drummer Jack Jamies, who participated in a drum solo duel with current drummer G. Brady. WIG WAM would also be in attendance to perform the ARTCH song 'When Angels Cry'. The DVD, entitled 'Another Return Live... And Beyond', comprised footage from the band's 2002 "farewell" gig, film from both 'Wacken Open Air' and 'Metal Meltdown' festivals and a classic 1989 performance plus interviews.

In April 2007 it was revealed that Eirikur Hauksson was to represent Iceland in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Valentine Lost'. This actually marked the ARTCH frontman's third stab at the competition, having previously competed in 1986 for Iceland with the ICY group and then again in 1991 for Norway with the band JUST 4 FUN.