Black Mages

A rock band formed in 2002 by three Square composers to arrange Final Fantasy music, disbanded in 2010.

Originally created to arrange Uematsu's Final Fantasy compositions into hard rock and progressive metal styles using synthesizers, the group expanded to six members a year later with the additions of Keiji Kawamori, Michio Okamiya, and Arata Hanyuda. Known for their concerts and three studio albums, the band formally disbanded in August 2010.

Quick Facts

Origin

Tokyo, Japan

Genre

Instrumental rock
hard rock
progressive metal
symphonic rock

Years active

2002–2010

Label

Square Enix Music; Dog Ear Records

Past members

Nobuo Uematsu
Kenichiro Fukui
Tsuyoshi Sekito
Keiji Kawamori
Arata Hanyuda
Michio Okamiya

Lore & Background

The band's origins trace back to 2000, when Kenichiro Fukui and Tsuyoshi Sekito formed an experimental partnership composing rock music for All Star Pro-Wrestling. In 2002, they arranged Nobuo Uematsu's Final Fantasy tracks, a move he initially declined due to busy duties with his Smile Please label. However, after joining them for a single live performance as a keyboardist, Uematsu felt the excitement of the crowd and agreed to form the band, noting that Fukui and Sekito refused to start without him. The name "The Black Mages" was chosen by Square Enix employee Mr. Matsushita because it "wouldn't stand out" in Japanese, though this English title tied the group strictly to Square Enix IP. Consequently, they were limited to playing Final Fantasy music and original pieces, unable to arrange works from other game series.

Reader's Guide

Fans can explore three distinct studio albums defining the group's evolution. The debut offers pure hard-rock battle themes, while "The Skies Above" introduces vocals and an original track for a real-world fighter. "Darkness and Starlight" features symphonic metal elements and the band's only vocal chorus performance on the title track. Live experiences vary by release: early shows (2003, 2005) yielded fanclub-exclusive DVDs, whereas the 2008 Yokohama show was released commercially in March 2009. Beyond their own albums, members contributed to "Dark Chronicle Premium Arrange," appeared in the film "Final Fantasy VII Advent Children," and performed at major events like "More Friends" and "Voices - Music from Final Fantasy." Following the split, Uematsu formed Earthbound Papas with Okamiya and Hanyuda to freely perform his new rock arrangements.

Did You Know?

The second album features an original song, 'Blue Blast ~Winning the Rainbow', created specifically for K-1 fighter Takehiro Murahama.
Alexander O. Smith, a Square Enix translator, provided the spoken line 'Maybe I'm a Lion' on the second album's title track.