Having heard how this Indian folk metal band are taking the world by storm, listening to their tracks and watching their videos, i quickly put myself forward to photograph this band and incidentally its my first shoot of 2025…. what a way to break me in…
Parking illegally, i scurried over to a huge queue that was quickly disappearing into the venue… I got my photopass and walked freely through to the photopit area- i say freely cos in an hour or so, you’ve got next to no chance of going through the crowd even to go to the toilet…
… And now for the main act.A fantastic night with Bloodywood an Indian heavy metal
band from New Delhi who hit the O2 Institute as part of their THE RETURN OF THE SINGH tour. Kicking off with Dana Dan and the whole venue exploded with noise and
jumping from the assembled masses. We were then into the title track of their brand new album Nu Delhi with Jayant Bhadula and Raoul Kerr doing dual vocals who were both in
imperious form. Known for their groundbreaking fusion of Heavy Metal and traditional Indian Folk music, the band were delivering a blistering set. Karan Katiyar was giving a viruses performance on guitar and flute, ably assisted by Roshan Roy – bass and the fantastic Sarthak Pahwa – dhol drummer.
We were then treated to a selection of songs from their first and second albums starting with Aaj then Tadka, the brilliant Jee Veerey and Bekhauf. The thunderous guitar riffs to the rhythmic pounding of the dhol never stopped they effortlessly merged all the elements, creating a sound that was both fierce and melodic. The crowd became completely immersed in the performance, chanting and dancing to every beat. the set ended with Bekhauf then Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot) and a blockbusting Halla Bol They returned for Gaddaar and they were done, successfully dismantling stereotypes about India music.
This was a night that will not be forgotten – a celebration of friendship, cultural fusion, and the unifying power of music. They are proving, with each performance, that Heavy Metal has a home in India – and it’s here to stay. What a night and the crowd spilled out into the Birmingham night absolutely buzzing with excitement and a feeling of euphoria.
An absolutely amazing set, only thing that let the show down was that it was just not long enough…
Here’s looking forward to them in larger venues and in festival grounds…
SETLIST
- Dana Dan
- Nu Delhi
- Aaj
- Tadka
- Jee Veerey
- Bekhauf
- Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)
- Halla Bol
- Gaddaar
