Review Summary: Entirely met and exceeded my expectations.
—( How many riffs on the offbeat?
Bloodywood: YES )—
As I start this review, I must remind y’all that I’m quite accustomed to custom metal bands from various customs, customarily. This one hails from India, and strings instruments from India into their music (makes sense). That’s peachy, but wielding them to bring bouncy nu-metal rhythms on top of already bouncy-as-fart beats is what compels tippy toe dance moves out of me. For example, the track Gaddaar, which has the drum and riffs in perfect sync, with Indian percussion pummels generously sprinkled in. Then they’ll add an extra Indian instrument for a hook-y melody, just so the audience really feels their metallic, yet very catchy groove. Clearly, this band knows syncopation, and the power it wields when used correctly. Their exotic sound brings to mind the band Myrath, especially. Unlike Myrath though, Bloodywood is much more riff obsessed, and less about creating a cinematic experience. This is straight ass nu-metal, with no let up; the riffs come in and literally never end. It’s an absolute rollercoaster ride from Hell.
Just checking out one track will make you quickly discover that Bloodywood is quite a crushing band. “Oh ***, here comes another breakdown, it’s time to practice my head banging”, pretty much sums up the entire experience for me. It’s almost comically heavy, with yelling so felt it sounds like they’re angry at their neighbour. I also believe they transposed some growls for extra heft, but that’s a side note — oodles of your favourite metal bands do that. They know production and the album sounds tight, but most importantly, they have the will to pulverize souls. The almost djent like rhythms also bring to mind Limp Bizkit, who are known for their funky beats. This is nu-metal music, as mentioned, and these heavy ***ing beats come with a swagging out rapper. The general “you can’t bring us down” type vibe is fitted into sometimes short raps that bring to mind Mike Shinoda on Linkin Park tracks. These bight sized raps are honestly perfect for filling out tracks, and transitioning to some (very loudly) sung choruses. Let’s just say the smooth singing from the Babymetal vocalists in the track Bekhauf was a very welcome surprise.
Some lyrics in Nu Delhi address their feelings about confidence in what they do because haters hate either way. This kind of relatable pattern is perfectly paired with their muscle bound approach to music. Riff after riff, breathing room was not considered in the creation of this metal monster. After a short instrumental bit in their first song, Halla Bol immediately fires off with a rhythm so bouncy you’d think you were riding a tractor. A fast flow of raps and growls come together into a quick blow to the senses. After this album, it may just shake you to the core, because that searing aggression is a blast, and the fast flow keeps going.
I could absolutely highlight every track, but the surprise is the hooking part. Maybe there’s a fun synthesizer in one chorus, a hip-hop 808 beat, or perhaps some chugging riffs with beautiful strings, who knows? Kismat shows some fast paced synths matching the riffs, only to slow down into a massive, sung chorus with sharp power chords. I really could talk about these tracks all day long, but my kid is sick so I’m out. This is the most fun I’ve had with an album in a hot minute. Deal with it, and enjoy catchy music while you’re still alive. :]
