Album Review: Bloodywood - Rakshak
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
They have been creating a stir in the metal scene for a couple of years and are one of the most anticipated bands on this year’s Bloodstock line-up. Current favourites of Metal Hammer magazine, the band from New Delhi have an interesting history. Formed by Karan Katiyar and Jayant Bhadula, the duo initially had the intention of “destroying pop songs,” spending time metallising pop and Bollywood tracks. Their links with mental health counselling, and their subject matter which includes battling poverty, sexual assault, politics, and corruption can only be applauded but it is the music that we are focused on, and ‘Rakshak’ is one melting pot of cultural and musical influences that make it a fascinating listen.
It is evident from the opening track ‘Gaddaar’ that Bloodywood draw deeply from the nu-metal movement. The fusion of traditional Indian instruments with massive guitar riffs and thunderous drums underpins ferocious Hindi/Punjabi choruses and aggressive rap verses in a maelstrom of styles. It is the influence of Linkin Park that is front and centre, with other bands that come to mind including Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine, SOAD and Limp Bizkit.
‘Gaadaar’ is a pounder of a track and leads neatly into one of the early releases from the album, ‘Aaj.’ This utilises a melancholic flute which provides elements of calm amidst the rage that spirals around the track. I am not keen on the rap verses, which sound dated, but one cannot fault the energy and power that the band generate. There are hooks which drive deep, and the flute is a thing of beauty.
As the album expands, you discover that there is a formulaic approach to their song structures. But metal fans love a novelty and there is plenty to be entertained about within ‘Rakshak’ if you can get past any elements, you do not like. For example, the huge bass riff on ‘Dana-Dan’ is a beast, yet the rap vocals are irritating at best. I am full of admiration for the interwoven percussion and other traditional Indian instruments; they work very well as they sit laced throughout the tracks, adding exotic tastes. There is more delicious flute on ‘Jee Veerey,’ originally released in 2018, and ‘Endurant’, which first surfaced in 2019. Fans will therefore be familiar with many of these tracks. The latter certainly brings more Indian flavours to the feast.
The biggest challenge I found listening to Bloodywood is the nu-metal dominance. I did not like much of it twenty years ago and it does nothing for me today. Sure, this is a mishmash of styles, but it is indisputable that the vocals, remain firmly rooted in the early noughties. There are parts of ‘BSDK.exe’ which scream old school and it is the least enjoyable song on this album. Despite the gorgeous blends of Indian music with metal, there is also too much repetition in most songs, with the tracks at times interchangeable.
I imagine the band will bring a ferocity that will ensure pits galore. One needs to temper any negativity towards the music with the fact that this is Bloodywood’s debut release. Although they have released several single tracks over the past couple of years, this is the first time they have collected their music together. The combination of Indian folk with elements of a myriad of metal genres sounds fantastic. And whilst there is nothing but admiration for their attitude, I found myself slightly disappointed after all the hype.
