So, apparently, Nobuo Uematsu started a rock band a couple of years ago called The Black Mages, and released a self-titled album featuring re-done versions of various Final Fantasy battle themes. Just recently they released their second album, called "The Skies Above," with more Final Fantasy music (not entirely battle music) as well as one original song (not from any video game).

When I first read about it, I wasn't really expecting much, but this stuff is actually good! It's Final Fantasy music crossed with Japanese hard rock (synths, crazy distorted guitar solos, etc.), but it's actually done rather tastefully...I suppose we have Nobuo to thank for that. Alright, so there are some not-so-good moments...there are times that the music will remind you that it is indeed Japanese rock, and the lyricist on the second album sounds like she came from Outrun 2's soundtrack...but overall it's good stuff, and it certainly exceeded my expectations.