A “Lychgate” is a gateway covered with a roof found at the entrance to a traditional English or English-style churchyard and also a very entertaining ritualistic styled avant-garde black doom metal group from The UK.  Lychgate takes a much different approach to song composition and each track on “An Antidote for a Glass Pill” is unique from each other. Vocally Chandler’s cadence and delivery is reminiscent of Silenius from the Austrian Black Metal group Abigor and being that he is from British doomsters Esoteric, it is no surprise that there is such power in the vocal performance and overall sound of this album.

An Antidote for the Glass Pill opens with “Unto My Tempest” which does a great job of setting the tone for this near fifty-minute effort.  The use of Organ throughout the entire album is prevalent and for the most part works very well with the overall composition of the song structures. Lychgate’s approach to Avant Garde Black Metal is well throughout and at times there is a Jazz/Progressive feel throughout. “Davamesque B2” opens up much that way with strong guitar lines with the key parts following along.

Citing influences like My Dying Bride, Esoteric, Morbid Angel and Radiohead, you can definitely say that Lychgate is the true definition of Avant Garde in terms of the way each track on An Antidote For The Glass Pill seems to show well thought out progressions that blend all of these components together creating a unique sound that really stand apart from other groups within this sub-genre.  Lychgate does an amazing job of blending that with strong classical influences from the likes of Bach, Shostakovich, and Liszt.  The Use of Pipe Organ is used almost as lead instrument and overall An Antidote For The Glass Pill is one of the surprising winning records of 2015.

For those looking for a unique approach to atmospheric Black Doom, Lychgate is a group for you.  An Antidote for the glass Pill is an album to be remembered and I am excited to watch Lychgate to continue to evolve in their song structures and the overall passion of this group is definitely there and makes for an enjoyable listen. Check this one out for sure!

[Visit the band's website]

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