Final Fantasy series soundtrack composer Nobuo Uematsu is taking his band on the road again to promote its upcoming second album. The composer's official Web site has been updated with a release date for the second album by The Black Mages, a band headed by Uematsu that plays rock arrangements of classic Final Fantasy tunes. The Web site also reveals details on two live concert dates for the band.

　　"The Black Mages II: The Skies Above" will go on sale in Japanese music stores on December 22. Samples of two tracks from the CD can be heard on the site. They include "The Skies Above," a vocal version of "To Zanarkand," from Final Fantasy X, and "The Man With the Machine Gun," from Final Fantasy VIII. The disc will be released on the Universal Music label.

　　Following the CD's release, The Black Mages will play at least two live shows in Japan: one in Tokyo and one in Osaka. Specifically, Uematsu and pals will hit Kawasaki's Club Citta on January 22 and 23, and they'll hit Namba Hatch in Osaka on January 28. In addition to a set from the band, the site promises that a "wonderful" special guest will make an onstage appearance.

　　The Black Mages' self-titled first album was released in February 2003. Live concerts followed in April in the Shibuya section of Tokyo.