The Black Mages
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | Nobuo Uematsu, Kenichiro Fukui, Tsuyoshi Sekito |
| Defunct | August 2010 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Japan |
Key people | Nobuo Uematsu (leader, keyboardist) |
| Products | Instrumental rock albums, live performances |
The Black Mages was a Japanese instrumental rock ensemble established in 2002 by three video game composers from Square and Square Enix: Nobuo Uematsu, Kenichiro Fukui, and Tsuyoshi Sekito. Their music consisted of rearranged compositions from Uematsu’s Final Fantasy series, transformed into a hard rock sound infused with progressive metal elements and enriched by the use of synthesizers. In 2003, the band grew to six members with the addition of Keiji Kawamori, Michio Okamiya, and Arata Hanyuda. The group officially disbanded in August 2010, as announced by Uematsu, who then continued to explore rock arrangements through a new project called the Earthbound Papas.
Throughout their career, The Black Mages released three studio albums. Their first, The Black Mages (2003), focused on reimagined battle themes from the Final Fantasy franchise. The second album, The Black Mages II: The Skies Above (2004), expanded beyond battle themes to include other pieces and introduced their initial original track, "Blue Blast ~Winning the Rainbow," composed for Japanese K-1 fighter Takehiro Murahama. Their third release, The Black Mages III: Darkness and Starlight (2008), followed this pattern of blending arrangements with original content. Additionally, their work appeared on projects such as Dark Chronicle Premium Arrange, the soundtrack for the animated film Final Fantasy VII Advent Children, and the Nintendo DS version of Final Fantasy III.
Although The Black Mages did not embark on extensive tours, they performed several live shows linked to their album launches. In 2003, concerts took place in Shibuya and Kanagawa, accompanied by a live DVD made exclusively available to members of Uematsu’s fanclub. Similar performances were held in Kawasaki and Osaka in 2005, also resulting in a limited-release DVD. Their 2008 concert in Yokohama was later issued commercially on DVD in 2009. The band also appeared at prominent Final Fantasy music events, including More Friends: Music from Final Fantasy and Voices - Music from Final Fantasy, as well as at the Extra: Hyper Game Music Event 2007.
History
In 2000, Square Enix composers Kenichiro Fukui and Tsuyoshi Sekito began collaborating experimentally to create rock-style tracks for the video game All Star Pro-Wrestling. Following this project’s success, they arranged pieces originally composed by Nobuo Uematsu, the principal composer for the Final Fantasy series. Although Uematsu was an enthusiast of rock music, he initially declined participation due to his commitments composing and managing his music label, Smile Please. However, he agreed to perform once as a keyboardist for a live show. After this performance, he decided to join the group fully; Fukui and Sekito had insisted on his involvement prior to officially forming the band.
Despite all members being "middle-aged," they overcame initial apprehensions about establishing a rock band. The name "The Black Mages," suggested by Square Enix employee Mr. Matsushita, was retained in English to blend naturally without attracting undue attention within Japan. Square Enix holds ownership of the name, which restricts the band’s repertoire primarily to Final Fantasy arrangements and original compositions rather than material from other game franchises.
In 2003, under Uematsu’s leadership, the band produced an album featuring rearranged Final Fantasy tracks. The trio arranged and sequenced ten battle themes from various entries in the series, with Uematsu acting as producer; this self-titled album was released on February 19, 2003. To support its launch, Uematsu organized a concert featuring himself on keyboards alongside Fukui and Sekito on keyboards and guitar respectively. Additional musicians from Square Enix joined for live performances: Keiji Kawamori on bass, Michio Okamiya on guitar, and Arata Hanyuda on drums. The group went on to release two further albums with all six members participating actively in concerts and video game music events.
On August 7, 2010, Uematsu declared that The Black Mages had dissolved. He cited growing challenges in scheduling rehearsals and noted that being branded as a "Square Enix" band limited their ability to perform compositions created after leaving Square Enix or to focus extensively on original works. Following this disbandment, Uematsu continued performing rock renditions with his new ensemble Earthbound Papas, which includes former members Okamiya and Hanyuda. Unlike The Black Mages, Earthbound Papas does not feature current Square Enix employees, thereby circumventing trademark and licensing restrictions.
The Black Mages
The Black Mages is an arranged album presenting battle themes from the Final Fantasy franchise, delivered through a fusion of hard rock and progressive metal. Produced by Nobuo Uematsu, this album was first issued on February 19, 2003, by DigiCube, and later reissued on May 10, 2004, under Square Enix. It comprises ten tracks with a total runtime of 51 minutes and 29 seconds.
In terms of commercial success, the album peaked at number 43 on the Japan Oricon charts. Reviews highlighted its robust arrangements and skilled performances, although some critics pointed out an excessive use of synthesizers and noted that certain pieces closely mirrored their original versions.
The Black Mages II: The Skies Above
Released on December 22, 2004, by Universal Music Group, The Black Mages II: The Skies Above is the second arranged soundtrack album by The Black Mages. It features eleven tracks totaling 50 minutes and 56 seconds, showcasing music from the Final Fantasy series with a blend of hard rock and progressive metal. Unlike the debut album, this release expands beyond battle themes to include vocal performances by Kazco Hamano ("KAZCO") and Tomoaki Watanabe ("Mr. Goo"), as well as live drum recordings following the band's lineup expansion. The album also contains an original piece titled "Blue Blast — Winning the Rainbow," composed for Japanese K-1 fighter Takehiro Murahama. Additionally, the spoken phrase in "Maybe I'm a Lion" was performed by Square Enix translator Alexander O. Smith.
Critical reactions were mixed: RPGFan commended the overall musical quality but criticized the vocal arrangements on tracks like "Otherworld" and "The Skies Above." Meanwhile, Square Enix Music Online regarded this album as less successful than its predecessor, citing issues with vocals and certain instrumental decisions.
The Black Mages III: Darkness and Starlight
The third installment in The Black Mages' arranged soundtrack series, Darkness and Starlight, was released on March 19, 2008, through Nobuo Uematsu's Dog Ear Records. This album includes ten tracks blending hard rock with progressive metal over a total duration of 60 minutes and 40 seconds. The band performs choral vocals on the title track "Darkness and Starlight," which stands as the only vocal piece on the record. The musical style integrates elements of symphonic metal and rock opera. Among its selections is an original composition named "Life ~ in memory of KEITEN ~," dedicated to a young boy who passed away from leukemia.
Critics responded positively to this release; RPGFan described it as "well worth the wait of over three years," praising its enjoyable and inspiring tracks while noting minor issues with two songs. Square Enix Music Online hailed it as "a masterpiece" and considered it The Black Mages' best work so far, though they wished for a longer tracklist.
Other appearances
In addition to their studio albums, The Black Mages have contributed to various other projects. Their initial contribution was "Flame Demon Monster Gaspard" on the 2004 Dark Chronicle Premium Arrange, featuring music from Tomohito Nishiura's game Dark Chronicle. They also participated in the animated film Final Fantasy VII Advent Children and its accompanying soundtrack by performing "Advent: One-Winged Angel," arranged by Koji Haijima based on Uematsu’s original from Final Fantasy VII. Moreover, they provided "Last Battle -THE BLACK MAGES Ver.-" (later renamed "KURAYAMINOKUMO") for the Nintendo DS version of the Final Fantasy III Original Soundtrack, which was subsequently included on their Darkness and Starlight album.
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Dark Chronicle Premium Arrange | Contains "Flame Demon Monster Gaspard" performed by The Black Mages. |
| 2005 | Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | Features "Advent: One-Winged Angel" with orchestral arrangement. |
| 2006 | More Friends: Music from Final Fantasy | Includes "The Rocking Grounds," "Maybe I'm a Lion," and "Advent: One-Winged Angel" accompanied by orchestra and choir. |
| Final Fantasy III Original Soundtrack | Presents "The Final Battle -THE BLACK MAGES Ver.-", later retitled "KURAYAMINOKUMO". |
Concerts
Although The Black Mages did not embark on extensive tours, they organized promotional concerts to support their album releases and took part in orchestral performances dedicated to Final Fantasy compositions.
Promotional concerts
To promote their first album, the band held a concert on April 26, 2003, at Shibuya-AX in Tokyo, performing the entire album along with the new piece "Matoya's Cave". This event featured distinctive moments such as Okamiya's rendition of the Chocobo theme and Uematsu playing the introduction to Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water". A DVD recording of this performance was made available exclusively to members of Uematsu's fanclub. The concert was reprised on November 3, 2003, at Kanagawa University—Uematsu’s former school—where the band appeared dressed in student uniforms.
For their sophomore album, The Black Mages conducted two shows in January 2005 at Club Citta in Kawasaki and Namba Hatch in Osaka. These concerts showcased all tracks from the new album along with selected songs from their debut release. Guest pianist Kenji Ito joined them to perform pieces from the SaGa series, while muZik contributed techno and pop-style arrangements of Final Fantasy music. A DVD capturing the Kawasaki performance was later distributed to fanclub members.
The launch of their third album was celebrated with a live show on August 9, 2008, at Yokohama Blitz. The setlist encompassed nearly every track from the album and included popular selections such as "Maybe I'm a Lion" and "Clash on the Big Bridge". This concert was commercially issued on DVD in 2009, marking the band’s first official live video release.
Other concerts
In addition to their own events, The Black Mages participated in official Final Fantasy concerts. Their North American debut occurred on May 16, 2005, at the More Friends: Music from Final Fantasy concert held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. They performed "The Rocking Grounds" and "Maybe I'm a Lion" from their second album and joined the orchestra for an encore rendition of "Advent: One-Winged Angel". Square Enix released an album featuring recordings from this concert on February 15, 2006, which included The Black Mages’ contributions.
Their subsequent significant appearance took place at the Voices – Music from Final Fantasy concert in Yokohama, Japan, on February 18, 2006. During this event, they performed "Advent: One-Winged Angel" alongside the Prima Vista Philharmonic Orchestra, repeating it as an encore. A DVD documenting this concert, which also contained an interview with Nobuo Uematsu, was issued on June 21, 2006.
On July 7, 2007, The Black Mages appeared as the closing act at the Extra: Hyper Game Music Event hosted at Shinkiba Studio Coast in Tokyo. As the final performers among thirteen artists over a six-hour program, they played "Last Battle," "Those Who Fight Further," "Maybe I'm a Lion," and "Clash on the Big Bridge." Their set was not included in the official concert compilation.
Band members
- Nobuo Uematsu – keyboards (2002–2010)
- Kenichiro Fukui – keyboards (2002–2010)
- Tsuyoshi Sekito – guitars (2002–2010)
- Keiji Kawamori – bass (2003–2010)
- Arata Hanyuda – drums (2003–2010)
- Michio Okamiya – guitars (2003–2010)