LIVE REVIEW: Bloodywood @ Academy 2, Manchester

Metal today is very much a global affair with quality bands emerging from all corners of the globe to stamp their mark on the scene. Such is the case as BLOODYWOOD. Since causing a buzz on the digital space with their metallic-take on parody metal covers of Bollywood tunes, recent times have seen the New Delhi collective surge in popularity, spearheaded with last year’s debut album of original material Rakshak. They say the proof is in the pudding, and given that countless dates on their headlining jaunt across the UK and European mainland are sold-out showcases that the hype is more than justified and Manchester is no different as a throng of people descend on Academy 2 to witness BLOODYWOOD live in action.

For LAKE MALICE, not only do they have the responsibility of kickstarting the evening’s action, they must bare the weight of this responsibility solo as they are the only support band on the night. Fortunately for this emerging talent, they do just that as their mash of metalcore, nu-metal and EDM sensibilities translates really well in the live setting and the crowd are more than receptive. Largely, this is down to the efforts of vocalist Alice Guala who dispatches her vocals with aplomb and exudes countless energy, especially on newest singles Stop The Party and Black Turbine. Whilst other bands would wilt under the lights and countless eyes gazing upon them, LAKE MALICE took it in their stride and displayed a performance that will further establish themselves as a band that are continuing to break through from the underground.

Rating: 8/10

With ample time between LAKE MALICE‘s departure and BLOODYWOOD‘s arrival, it would be understandable if the excitement and anticipation had waned, but such is the band’s recent popularity, that by the time they arrive on stage, the excitement is palpable. There’s a uniqueness behind BLOODYWOOD‘s aural racket and live, it translates superbly well with enough bounce and adrenaline to have the entirety of the crowd moving. Opener Gaddaar is one hell of a set opener as the crowd erupts as the band’s blend of nu-metal bounce, ferociously spat bars from Raoul Kerr and traditional Indian instrumentation intertwine into a sound that captures the hearts and minds of a packed Academy 2 in an instant.

With the bar set so intensely high from Gaddaar, BLOODYWOOD sniff blood and proceed to give a performance that is as spellbinding as it is exhilarating, with the adrenaline rarely dipping. Aaj spreads its wings and soars like a phoenix as the folky undertones and punchy growls from Jayant Bhadula sees fists fly into the air and heads bang in unison, Machi Bhasad (Expect A Riot) lives up its namesake and incites chaos in the pit, and Zanjeero Se showcases the slick talents from guitarist Karan Katiyar as the riffs bend and twist around a jaw-dropping duel vocal display from Bhadula and Kerr.

Rattling through the vast majority of their debut album and united in a message of hope and love, BLOODYWOOD not only showcased that the hype surrounding them is more than justified, but you get the feeling that there is genuine excitement for what comes next. As we see countless grinning faces throughout the packed Academy 2, from numerous walks of life, BLOODYWOOD are champions of the people, and the world is very much their oyster.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Manchester from k4tiephotogr4phy here: 

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