Artist Orphan Bloom

One can hardly wave a wicked scepter these days without hitting a modern band drawing influence from classic psychedelic rock. But when it’s done well, it pleases the court as well as the masses—as with the castle-storming, metal-informed rock of ages plied by Madison’s Orphan Bloom. Scattering its noodling guitar lines and easy vocal harmonies to the wind over labyrinthine compositions like “Indra’s Web,” the band weaves the best elements of black-magic rock sorcery while avoiding typical genre trappings such as ludicrous lyrics and falsetto abuse—making its debut album one of the best surprises of 2010. Expect more progressive regal rock from the band’s new album.

Updated 11/21/2011