Initially a solo project from ex-BADLANDS and MICHAEL LEE FIRKINS BAND vocalist John West, ARTENSION would provide a hotbed a Rock talent for some seasoned players. The first two albums, 1996's 'Into The Eye Of The Storm' and 1997's 'Phoenix Rising', saw West joined by guitarist Roger Staffelbach, Bassist Barry Sparks, keyboard player Vitalij Kuprij and former ZILLION, BEAU NASTY and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN drummer MIKE TERRANA. AGENT STEEL, DEATH and TESTAMENT guitarist JAMES MURPHY also lends a hand in the studio. Sparks went on to join YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's band. Terrana joined METALIUM then German Metal crew RAGE.

ARTENSION would be joined by bassist Kevin Chown. Latter day ARTENSION guitarist George Bellas released a solo album of his own, 'Turn Of The Millennium' through Roadrunner in 1997 and played on UFO duo Phil Mogg and PETE WAY's MOGG/WAY project.

2000's 'Machine' album had West joined by drummer Shane Gaalaas, bassist John Onder and Swiss guitarist Roger Staffelbach. Vitalij featured on YNGWIE MALMSTEEN vocalist MARK BOALS solo album 'Ring Of Fire'. Bellas would later join Boals' live band RING OF FIRE.

The industrious Chown would journey on to MAGNETUDE 9, EDWINDARE and LIFE, DEATH & GIANTS as well as undertaking light hearted live work with THE BLUES ROCKERS and THE LOUNGE LIZARDS.

ARTENSION regrouped in 2001 for a comeback album on the Italian Frontiers label billed as 'Sacred Pathway'. The group convened for these sessions comprised the familiar line-up of John West, Roger Staffelbach, Kevin Chown, Vitalij Kuprij and Mike Terrana. The drummer cut a solo album in 2004, entitled 'Man Of The World', featuring bass contributions from Kevin Chown. Mike Terrana joined MASTERPLAN in October 2006. Staffelbach also entered the solo arena with his project ROGER STAFFELBACH'S ANGEL OF EDEN featuring guests DOMAIN and EVIDENCE ONE vocalist Carsten Schulz, keyboard players FERDY DOERNBERG, of ROUGH SILK and the AXEL RUDI PELL band, and Mats Olausson, TESTAMENT and SEBASTIAN BACH band bassist Steve DiGiorgio plus EVIDENCE ONE Drummer Rami Ali.