Bloodywood – Rakshak (Self-Released)
Monday, 14th February 2022
Rap and metal have had an entangled relationship with a number of bands over the years, for better or worse (depending on the act in question). So it’s not a new (or nu) concept to have the two intermingle, but it also means that a band needs to put in a little ‘extra’ to make their vision truly have something to say. India’s Bloodywood, releasing their first full-length in Rakshak, offer an ambitious start (after only performing an album of pop gone metal covers) that will rightly turn some heads with its unique stylings and sound.
Bloodywood encompasses a sound that takes the metal/rap combo and not only keeps it firmly heavy, but adds in a ton of personal flavor. Folk metal permeates the band almost as heavily as the groove metal and rap influences, giving them a sound that’s instantly recognizable. The band’s lead-off single and opening cut “Gaddaar” shows the full promise of the act, with a flurry of Indian instrumentation rolling along with chunky riffing and snarled vocals, then switching gears into rap vocals that still keep a distinctively aggressive feel to it. Something that those who aren’t fans of the vocal style will still likely find appealing. Not to mention, the whole track is incredibly catchy, incorporating and merging the styles as well as some modern electronic elements with the traditional folk ones to further entice the listener. Second cut “Aaj” takes a slightly more melodic route in its footing, with upbeat and danceable sounds fusing with the folk base and an almost symphonic feeling before diving into pounding grooves. But there’s more to the act that delivering just groove-rap-groove patterns. “Jee Veerery” and “Zanjeero Se” fully jump into more folk waters, with a more restrained feeling than the opening one-two punch, switching more towards more rock than metal (or at least more Linkin Park-esque territory in the latter). While groove may prevail in much of the album, the band is just as comfortable in melodic waters, and they have the capabilities for some intriguing and diverse combinations (see “BSDK.exe”).
It’s exciting to hear more innovations like what Bloodywood have provided with a debut album. Sure some bits have been used before, but the way that Bloodywood incorporates their own personality and flavor into Rakshak is deserving of some praise. Those into some scorching grooves, aggressive rap parts, and no skimming on the folk aspects, should find this to be a wild and engaging ride.
