From New Delhi, showcasing their Indian Folk Metal, Bloodywood, arrive at the Manchester O2 Ritz as part of one of their stops for their ‘Return of the Singh’ EU/UK Tour, promoting their new album ‘Nu Delhi’.
Opening with Demonic Resurrection, a symphonic death metal with hints of black metal, they are a band from Mumbai India. Providing us a sweet taste of the Indian metal genre before we get to the main headliners. The 4 piece have a sinister intro playing before they blast into their opener “Matsya – The Fish”. Taking inspiration from Cradle of Filth, Emperor and Dimmu Borgir, from their deep vocal screams to their longer songs for the list, they filled up nicely and the crowd were onboard as soon as it began it was a strong start to open.
The second support act was Calva Louise, a three-piece British multicultural band formed in Manchester, which has a mix of alternative rock and electronic music, giving the crowd a burst of energy. The vocals from Jess Allanic were so powerful, and the variance of changing from scream to singing while playing two instruments is very impressive. This is where the pits started to form, and the crowd surfers started amping up the atmosphere. They were great overall; however, they personally would have fit better at the start, putting the two Indian metal bands one after another to connect the two together, allowing the crowd to warm up for what was to come.
As the anticipation peaked, the night's main event, Bloodywood, took the stage, instantly captivating the audience with their electrifying presence. Their distinctive sound is a powerful fusion of traditional Indian folk music seamlessly intertwined with the intense, hard-hitting elements of Metal and Rap, resulting in a dynamic and invigorating Nu-Metal experience. Right from the start, they commanded attention, launching into a gripping instrumental intro that seamlessly transitioned into the explosive track ‘Dana Dan.’ The moment the first notes hit, the entire crowd erupted into a frenzy, immersing themselves in the pulsating rhythm, headbanging, moshing, and fully embracing the raw energy radiating from the stage. It was an exhilarating start that set the tone for an unforgettable performance, as fans lost themselves in the music, moving as one to the thunderous beats and powerful lyrical delivery.
Between each song, Raoul Kerr, who is the rap vocalist, gave the crowd some wise words of wisdom and also told stories, uniting everyone as one and linking each song together so each one flowed together seamlessly. The very talented percussionist, Sarthak Pahwa on the Dhol, came into the crowd when they played the song ‘Machi Bhasad’ where the crowd formed a circle around him, so he was able to play within them, showing that in the metal community, we keep each other safe and entertained, making everyone want more! The band works well together, bouncing off each other's vibes. Even when they played their song ‘Bekhauf feat BABYMETAL’ playing their vocals over a backing track, the pits formed from the front and the middle and gave an ultimate performance as if BABYMETAL were really there on stage with them: we can imagine this would be epic to see in full force!
Closing their electrifying set with the hard-hitting anthem ‘Gaddarr,’ Bloodywood gave the crowd exactly what they had been screaming for. As the opening riffs tore through the speakers, a surge of excitement rippled through the audience, igniting a sea of movement. Flames erupted from the stage, casting an intense glow over the relentless waves of jumping fans, while the band delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. The mosh pits were an absolute spectacle, a chaotic yet mesmerizing whirlwind of bodies colliding in perfect sync with the pounding drums and searing guitar riffs. For those standing on the outskirts, the pits were just as thrilling to watch as the band itself, adding another layer of raw, unfiltered energy to an already unforgettable finale.
Bloodywood is one of those rare bands that sound just as powerful and precise live as they do on their studio recordings, delivering every note, beat, and lyric with raw intensity and unwavering passion. From the very first moment they step onto the stage, it’s clear that they are driven by a deep love for their craft, and that energy radiates through every performance. Their connection with the audience goes beyond just playing music, with every drumbeat and roaring riff, they pull the crowd deeper into their world, ensuring that no one is simply watching but rather fully engaged in the moment. They don’t just perform; they interact. Through their music and stage presence, they invite fans to not only hear but feel the culture and spirit behind their sound, making every show an unforgettable, high-energy celebration.
Words: Ciara Hicks Evans
Photos: Simon Arinze
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