When rattling off lists of talented video game composers, Michiru Yamane should certainly be added into any list you might come up with. She is well known for her work on the Castlevania series, but she also pops her head into other Konami titles such as the Suikoden series. She has been composing music for Konami since 1988.

You’ve heard Nobuo Uematsu’s compositions, but have you ever heard the man himself play? The Black Mages is the name of Uematsu-san’s instrumental rock band. They play all sorts of Final Fantasy arrangements done in a progressive metal style. There are currently two disks released by this fun loving band.

The first, titled The Black Mages, was released in 2003. The second was released a year later, and is called The Skies Above. They have also made appearances on several other albums. Unfortunately, live performances are rare for this group - with just two to herald each of the two album releases.

They have taken part in a few other Final Fantasy concerts, such as Voices and More Friends. It is said that they are going to release a third album soon - of course, what is soon to us might not be the same soon to The Black Mages. You can’t rush genius, though.