Album review by Luke Petty
Bloodywood’s ascent from underground sensation to international force has been nothing short of meteoric. Following the breakout success of Rakshak (2022), which stormed Billboard charts and ignited festival stages globally, their third album, Nu Delhi, arrives under the banner of Fearless Records, carrying the weight of significant anticipation. Far from buckling under pressure, Bloodywood delivers a potent blend of nu-metal ferocity and vibrant folk instrumentation, solidifying their unique sonic signature. Nu Delhi isn’t a mere retread; it’s an evolution.
‘Halla Boi’ immediately signals this shift, injecting a metalcore ferocity with crushing breakdowns and a sharper vocal edge.This expanded palette invigorates even established live anthems like ‘Hutt’, whose final bridge hints at death metal intensity, while its soaring, English-sung chorus cements its undeniable appeal. The frenetic energy of ‘Dhadak’ with Raoul Kerr’s fluid rap verses molding against Jayant Bhadula’s guttural Hindi choruses, harkens back to their raw, debut-era spirit. And just when you think you have them pegged, ‘Kismat’ explodes from a Bollywood-esque intro into a monstrous riff-driven anthem. Nu Delhi doesn’t just meet expectations; it shatters them, propelling Bloodywood further into the metal stratosphere.
Nu Delhi isn’t just an album; it’s a sensory assault, a vibrant collision of cultures and genres that leaves the listener breathless. Nowhere is this more evident than on ‘Bekhauf’, a track supercharged by Babymetal’s electrifying presence. The tempo surges, electronica pulses, and Su-metal’s crystalline vocals cut through the chaos, adding a unique dimension.
The album’s final stretch, however, presents a curious dichotomy. ‘Tadka’, a seemingly lighthearted ode to Indian cuisine, initially feels incongruous. While the track undeniably boasts infectious hooks and Kerr’s signature lyrical dexterity, its thematic departure from the band’s typically weighty subject matter is jarring. Yet, its sheer catchiness, culminating in a playful, post-meal burp, underscores Bloodywood’s penchant for subverting expectations.
Conversely, the title track, ‘Nu Delhi’ serves as a potent summation of the band’s identity. It’s a masterclass in genre fusion, seamlessly weaving together rapid-fire rap verses, soaring choruses, and intricate instrumental interplay. The track’s undeniable power and anthemic quality make it a fitting closer, both for the album and, undoubtedly, for their live performances. ‘Nu Delhi’ is a bold and often bewildering experience, a testament to Bloodywood’s refusal to be confined by genre conventions. It’s an album that demands attention, rewards repeated listens, and solidifies their position as one of metal’s most innovative and exciting acts.
Nu Delhi is Bloodywood’s declaration of intent, a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of nu-metal’s raw energy and the rich, intricate patterns of Indian folk. This isn’t a mere sonic experiment; it’s a cultural manifesto, a bold assertion of identity that transcends novelty. With Nu Delhi, Bloodywood solidifies their position as not just a band, but a vital conduit, opening a gateway for a global audience to explore the diverse and dynamic landscape of Asian metal. They’ve moved beyond the realm of intriguing fusion to become architects of a truly unique and resonant soundscape.
