Album Review: Bloodywood – Rakshak (Self Released)

Indian folk meets rap metal fusionists Bloodywood will release their hotly anticipated debut album Rakshak on the 18th February 2022.

Coming with a weight of expectation, many bands would falter under the anticipation that fans have for this debut album. However, Bloodywood are not most bands and rise up to meet the challenge with serious aplomb.

It’s been a long time coming, the band going from doing unique covers to writing their own material over the past few years. The result is an album that is filled with traditional Indian instruments, heavy crossover metal, symphonic touches and outspoken lyrical content.

Kicking proceedings off with the explosive Gaddaar. We get a glorious blend of Indian culture and rap-metal ferocity, it’s a pointed attack on dictatorship governments and leaders who control by spreading hate.

Whereas that opener is what many have come to expect from Bloodywood, the symphonic and folkish touches of Aaj will take many by surprise. An experimental blend of rap lyrics and symphonic metal elevated by a grand chorus. It really shouldn’t work but thanks to the focus still being on crunchy metal, it really does.

The intense level of experimentation results in Zanjeero Se, a track littered with melodramatic melody, lavish symphonic elements and punchy rap vocals. Before the delightful meshing of traditional Indian music and heavy freaking metal returns with composure on the excellent Machi Bhasad. One of the album’s most intense listens even with a lovely, brief melodic drop.

Dana-Dan though… what a banger this is. An insane showcase of frenzied rapping, roaring intensity, folklore melody, scathing metal and electronica. Jee Veerey takes the tempo down a touch with folksy instrumentals but rises for a massive chorus. Whereas both Endurant and Yaad bring an array of ripping and shredding riffs, Bloodywood’s pointed lyrical style, grandiose moments, massive choruses, screaming soloing and beautiful melodies to the table.

They’ve absolutely delivered here. A debut to be proud of and confirmation for long-term fans that they really do have the potential to be massive worldwide. If any further proof is needed, BSDK.exe and Chakh Le will shut up any doubters with their meaty mix of electronica, Indian instruments and metal.

A huge release that is going to send Bloodywood into the stratosphere.

Bloodywood – Rakshak Full Track Listing:

1. Gaddaar
2. Aaj
3. Zanjeero Se
4. Machi Bhasad (Album Version)
5. Dana-Dan
6. Jee Veerey (Album Version)
7. Endurant (Album Version)
8. Yaad (Album Version)
9. BSDK.exe
10. Chakh Le

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