Lycia is a rock band comprising Mike VanPortfleet, David Galas, Tara Vanflower and John Fair. Their unique style is marked by the use of synthesizers, distorted guitars, and electronic drums with VanPortfleet’s and Vanflower’s dramatic but distinct vocal styles. They are usually described as darkwave, and considered by some to be pioneers in the genre. Notably, Peter Steele of Type O Negative was a fan of the band, and they toured with Type O Negative in 1995.

VanPortfleet has been the only constant member since the project formed – as a bedroom recording project with he and Fair – in 1988, and has been joined by Galas and Fair for several albums. Singer Tara Vanflower joined in 1994 and has performed on every album since The Burning Circle and Then Dust. The band effectively took a hiatus in the 2000s after Empty Space (2000) and Tripping Back Into the Broken Days (2002) were released. Since 1991’s Ionia, most of their records have been released on Projekt Records.