The Black Mages

The Profile

Japanese rock band formed by composer Nobuo Uematsu to perform rock arrangements of Final Fantasy music.

Formed in 2002 by Nobuo Uematsu; performed rock/prog-metal arrangements of Final Fantasy soundtracks. Key members include Nobuo Uematsu (keyboard) and Tsuyoshi Sekito (guitar). Released three studio albums including The Black Mages (2003), The Black Mages II: The Skies Above (2004) and The Black Mages III: Darkness and Starlight (2008). Active until 2010.

One DeBaser review (by Jukan) assesses The Black Mages III: Darkness and Starlight with mixed enthusiasm. The review praises prog influences and some arrangements while criticizing other tracks and guitar choices. Recommended mainly for Final Fantasy fans and prog listeners.