THE BLACK MAGES

This is a japanese metal band headed by Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu. Their style is symphonic power prog, and I quite enjoy it. The songs are fairly straightforward, though. None of them hold up too well to the prog label, and it shows. Some of the songs feel like Dream theater mixes, while others are almost opera style in their instrumental metal approach.

Consisting of battle music from the game series, each one tends to pack quite a punch, and enjoyable listens, but show their slight shallow nature with repeated listens. The melodies are fantastic, the playing is top notch, and the memories some of these songs bring up are more powerful than the songs, themselves.

One track of note, is Dancing Mad. This 12 minute long masterpiece of music is the main reason I recommend this album. It is extended, powerful, progressive, and the album's one true highlight. I could give this album an extra star and a half just for this song, alone.

Not for everyone. If you aren't too keen on power prog, or symphonic metal, you won't like this, and if you aren't into instrumental music, this might put you off. In all, it is an excellent release. Fans of the series should buy this, now. Four Stars.

Share this THE BLACK MAGES review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Alitare
• Report this review (#212170)
• Buy THE BLACK MAGES music online with PA partners
• Show all THE BLACK MAGES MP3/Stream
• Go to THE BLACK MAGES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Black Mages page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for THE BLACK MAGES related discussions