Album Review: Bloodywood – Nu Delhi

Amidst the clones and nostalgia acts that have lept into the fray during nu-metal resurgence of recent years. In 2022 a new player entered the game. Straight out of New Delhi, Bloodywood skyrocketed to prominence in 2022 with their debut album, Rashak. 

However, they were far from an overnight success. Originally a covers band that plied their trade on social media. Dropping catchy metal covers of pop songs with a little extra Indian spice thrown into the mix. The group slowly evolved, with the addition of vocalist Raoul Kerr being a massive catalyst. Eventually pushing Bloodywood out into the world. Where their unique blend of traditional Indian folk, hip-hop and heavy metal influences proved its worth on their 2019 ‘Raj Against The Machine’ world tour. 

Fast forward a couple of years and Bloodywood have since become the only metal band from India to ever grace the Billboard Chart. Garnering worldwide critical acclaim for their debut album and ingratiating themselves to countless UK festival goers along the way, thanks to standout performances at Bloodstock and Download Festival. 

So, how does their second album measure up? Nu Delhi’s opener, Halla Bol certainly starts things off in familiar territory. With an introduction heavily seasoned with Indian folk influences. Quickly giving way to a suitably chunky riff and an even catchier chorus. 

There are signs of Bloodywoods continued evolution even this early on though, with an overall fuller and more synth driven sound. A welcome touch, that while present on previous tracks like Aaj. Has definitely been taken to another level and compliments the high energy vibe that permeates through Nu Delhi. 

Follow up tracks, Hutt and Dhadak keep the tempo high. With both songs packing breakdowns that are sure to ignite live audiences. However, it’s the albums fourth track, Bekhauf that really stands out in the mix. Thanks to an appearance from J-Rock stalwarts BABYMETAL. It’s a combination that probably shouldn’t work on paper, but in practice Bekhauf hits like a Bollywood version of Bring Me The Horizons Kingslayer.

A tough act to follow, but Bloodywood still have a few tricks left up their sleeve. With the main riff to Kismat being one of them. A departure from the stomping nu-metal rhythms of the rest of the album, it flies off the fretboard of guitarist Karan Katiyar like he’s been possessed by the ghost of metalcore past. Cranking up the energy levels up further still!

The band slip back into a more familiar nu-metal groove for Nu Dehli’s penultimate track, Tadka. With drummer Vishesh Singh accentuating the main beat with some traditional Indian precussion that adds an almost tribal element to the thunderous chorus line. 

Clocking in at a mere thirty minutes long, it isn’t long before you find yourself at Nu Dehli’s inevitable conclusion. A tongue in cheek title track that plays on the bands home town and genre of choice. Blending all the albums best elements into a four minute long clash of cultures and musical styles. Bringing Nu Delhi to a suitably raucous end. 

Bloodywoods blend of nu-metal and Indian folk won’t be for everyone. Particularly those that struggle to enjoy music with a built in language barrier. Especially as the interplay between Jayant Bhadula’s Hindi lyricism and Raoul Kerr’s English rap verses isn’t quite as natural as it seemed on Rashaak. 

However, it’s difficult to deny the sheer amount of energy and passion that Nu Delhi is packing under the hood. Like a nu-metal version of Reign in Blood, it seemingly never let’s up. With an undeniable groove that runs through it from beginning to end. As well as a sound that is absolutely unique. It’s safe to say that Bloodywood have easily overcome the dreaded ‘second album syndrome’. Delivering a record that does their metoric rise justice and further cements their position on the heavy metal landscape.

Bloodywood are set to return to venues in the UK later this month with their ‘Return of the Singh’ tour. For tickets or more information on the band you can head over to their official website. Or, join in the discussion about Nu Dehli via their social media. A full list of their upcoming UK tour dates is available below.

22.03.25 – O2 Institute, Birmingham – UK
23.03.25 – SWG3, Glasgow – UK
25.03.25 – O2 Ritz, Manchester – UK
26.03.25 – O2 Academy, Bristol – UK
27.03.25 – O2 Kentish Town Forum, London – UK