Live Review: Bloodywood with Lake Malice at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London (30/03/23)

It has been an immense few years for the Indian heavy metal/folk band, Bloodywood. Where, through their hard work, perseverance and nu-metal fused with traditional Indian sounds, they have become one of the most exciting new bands in the scene. Not just the Indian metal scene but the global one, and everyone who has heard their debut album, Rakshak, or seen them live can attest to that.

The latter, being the final piece of the puzzle that ensures any doubters about the buzz around Bloodywood are silenced. If you like what Bloodywood do on record, you’re going to absolutely love what they do in the live environment.

Which many people do, resulting in a mammoth European tour being almost completely sold out. Aside from one or two countries/cities, everywhere Bloodywood played has been packed out and London, the penultimate date of this tour, is no different.

In fact, the Electric Ballroom in Camden is heaving before the one and only support band, Lake Malice, take to the stage. A modern alternative metal band that draws some similarities to Spiritbox (especially the rise), their sound isn’t a million miles away from Bloodywood but, aesthetically, they couldn’t be more different.

Lake Malice deliver a blend of metalcore, nu-metal, pop, and EDM to send the venue into fits of heavy ecstasy. It’s a hyperactive 30-minute showcase from the band and an intense expenditure of energy. Their music is at its strongest when it is scathing and fast, but there’s no doubt they have won themselves many new fans based on the sweat in the room once they leave the stage. Heck, they even manage to get themselves a decently sized wall of death!

After an excruciatingly long wait (40 minutes between bands is a bit much), the Bloodywood symbol lights up in the back screen and the lights go down. You can taste and smell the anticipation in the air, for better or worse.

Lert’s be honest here, if you could pick one song for Bloodywood to open their shows with from the Rakshak album, what would it be? Chances are 99% of people would choose Gaddaar. It is an immense song with an unbelievable amount of energy and groove. So, it’s no surprise that’s exactly what they kick off with and goodness, does the Ballroom explode. There isn’t many people not moving and those that aren’t, are grinning from ear to ear. Bloodywood don’t just sound fantastic, they move with so much vigour that it is downright infectious.

Also how great does the Dhol sound? Played with such intensity and skill by Sarthak Pahwa. Who may also be the bravest member of Bloodywood when he goes right into the pit during the finale of Ari Ari.

The whole of Bloodywood is on incredible form tonight. Guitarist Karen Katiyar, in particular, moving like a man possessed and also showing his versatility when he picks up the flute several times throughout the show. Then there are the dual vocalists; Jayant Bhadula and Raoul Kerr. The former giving the metal some real growling girth and delivering the Hindi sections with such power, whereas the latter spits fire with his rapping. The pair introducing each song with a message of hope, defiance, and shared love.

The majority of Rakshak is showcased tonight and each track sounds as enormous as the other. BSDK.exe, Aaj, Dana Dan, Jee Veerey, Zanjeero Se, and Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot), the latter proving to be an apt title as it is one of the most chaotic moments of the entire show. How anyone is still able to move for Ari Ari and the encore of an alternative version of Gaddaar, is a miracle, but also testament to Bloodywood’s brilliance.

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that Bloodywood are only going to get bigger based off tours and shows like this. Looking around the venue, one of the most exciting things is the wide array of different folks from different walks of life in attendance. It is one of the most diverse metal shows this reviewer has ever seen. Meaning Bloodywood have wide-ranging and mass appeal, the common denominator being a shared love of heavy music and Bloodywood. The world is theirs for the taking and they are clearly ready to grab it with both hands.