foshokku 1 Posted July 6, 2007 "The Black Mages are a Japanese instrumental rock band formed by Nobuo Uematsu, composer for various video games in the Final Fantasy series. The band arranges Uematsu's musical compositions in a rock style often similar to progressive metal, achieved with the additional use of synthesizers.The band has released two studio albums, the first containing only combat-related instrumentals. It was released eponymously as The Black Mages in 2003. The second album?The Skies Above?was released in 2004 and features a wider array of pieces. Guest vocalists Tomoaki Watanabe (as "mr.goo") and Kazco Hamano appear on separate tracks, and an original track titled "Blue Blast - Winning the Rainbow" was created for Japanese K-1 fighter Takehiro Murahama. The Black Mages have appeared on several other video game-related (mostly Final Fantasy) albums. According to Uematsu, The Black Mages will produce their third album in the near future with an extra disc centered on Japanese mythology.Live performances are rare, with only two concerts that celebrated album releases. The first?"The Black Mages LIVE"?was held in Shibuya, and later released on DVD exclusively to fanclub members. A second concert?"LIVE above the sky"?was held in Kawasaki City and similarly released on DVD to fanclub members. However, The Black Mages have made appearances in various Final Fantasy-related concerts, such as "VOICES" and 'More Friends.'"Pure awesomeness.I'm pretty sure many of you have played these games, so it'll be nostalgic for everyoneAs for me, it has always been an incredible experience to hear all those beloved themes played in heavy rock tunes. XDYou'll love'em.Discography(2003.02.19) The Black Mages(2004.12.22) The Black Mages II: The Skies Above Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prism 8 Posted July 6, 2007 HAHA oh yeah mean. Kick freaking ass, they are. Nobuo's a genious. <3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doaseternity6 93 Posted July 6, 2007 i like quite a bit of nobuo uematsu's work but somehow i've never been able to get into this band that much, they are okay though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaruChan 0 Posted July 9, 2007 Damn! I have no idea of this band I'll find something on them sometime to listens to Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asra 1 Posted July 9, 2007 hehe, I like it rockish FF songsI love their "Maybe I'm a Lion" and "The Decisive Battle" (FF6) versions!besides: *bows in front of Uematsu*If anyone wants, I'll upload the two albums I have Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaruChan 0 Posted July 10, 2007 Onegai please do upload~~~ I know nothin about them & I'll try the song u mentioned there ^^Thx in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
asra 1 Posted July 10, 2007 I think I like all their songs the same in the end XD can't decide.Happy listening!File name: (japan-music) [album] The Black Mages (10.05.2004).part1.rarDownload link: http://www.mediafire.com/?bx7b5tsk9mmFile name: (japan-music) [album] The Black Mages (10.05.2004).part2.rarDownload link: http://www.mediafire.com/?f3zvyn1zwilFile name: (japan-music) [album] The Black Mages - THE BLACK MAGES II The Skies Above (22.12.2004).part1.rarDownload link: http://www.mediafire.com/?2ckm1z23zuvFile name: (japan-music) [album] The Black Mages - THE BLACK MAGES II The Skies Above (22.12.2004).part2.rarDownload link: http://www.mediafire.com/?dvhehn0wuuo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
foshokku 1 Posted July 11, 2007 Oh, good to know that people got interested in them. XDActually, I put a link to individual downloads to their songs, take a look there!Highlights for me goes to Dancing Mad, Fight with Seymour and Clash on the Big Bridge. They're even better than the originals for me, except for Seymour's theme, which is an instant classic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prism 8 Posted July 11, 2007 Aw man, Dancing Mad is incredible. That was the Kefka fight in FF6 wasn't it?Clash on the Big Bridge was pretty awesome, too. Think that was Gilgamesh's theme, right? (I keep wanting to say Girugamesh, lawl. Damn this J-Rock.)Those Who Fight Further is one of my favourites, aswell. Because it's FF7, hah. And hey, they did the Advent Children soundtrack did they not? I can't believe it, but this is the first time I've actually wondered that... It must've been... One Winged Angel is far, far too immense to have been done by anyone else...And I heard they have a new album coming. No idea when, but it's supposed to have Trance Kuja's theme The Dark Messenger on it. One of my favourite FF songs. <3 I hope it's true. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaruChan 0 Posted July 11, 2007 @asraThx for the files!!! downloading now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yurameki 0 Posted July 15, 2007 new album should be out this year btw Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prism 8 Posted July 15, 2007 Yeah, there are two CD's to it. One is gonna be more Final Fantasy stuff, and the other is apparently gonna be "traditional" or whatever. I dunno, I have faith in Nobuo. Bet it'll be awesome. <3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
domestic_fucker666 0 Posted July 28, 2007 incredible band Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
musikktroll 0 Posted July 28, 2007 They rock! My faves are The Skies Above and Fight with Seymour and Maybe I'm a Lion ^^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeus 7997 Posted October 16, 2010 It's quite a shame these guys disbanded, though I guess it was inevitable with one of them moving and another taking a teaching position. Was hoping they'd get one more album out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
