Bloodywood // Return Of The Singh Tour // Calva Louise // Demonic Resurrection // Live Review // O2 Academy // Bristol
Indian folk metal pioneers Bloodywood kicked off their 2025 European tour in late February, starting with the iconic Amager Bio venue in Denmark, all in support of their wildly successful New Delhi album. On March 25th, they brought their electrifying show to the O2 Academy Bristol, a venue that packs 1,600 people into its heart and soul. This wasn’t just any show for me—it was the show. I had never seen Bloodywood live before, and the excitement coursing through my veins was palpable. I’ll be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first. My usual tastes lean heavily towards death, heavy, or black metal. But Bloodywood? They’re a blend of nu-metal, folk metal, and rap metal with traditional Indian instruments woven in. How could that possibly live up to my usual standards? Spoiler alert: it was phenomenal.
I arrived around 7 PM and was immediately hit by the sight of a massive line stretching out the door. The anticipation was electric, and it was clear—this show was going to be something special. The venue was packed to the brim, the air thick with excitement and a hint of chaos.
The first support band, Demonic Resurrection, were up next, and from the first riff, it was clear they meant business. These death metal titans from India wasted no time making their presence known. The crowd was unrelenting, moshing like there was no tomorrow. When their frontman, Sahil, asked if their set was too heavy for a Bloodywood opener, the crowd roared back, “Not at all!” And just like that, the pit exploded into a frenzy. Sahil was visibly elated, even taking a moment to film a video on his phone, shouting “Thank you, Bristol!” It was impossible not to be swept up in their infectious energy. By the end of their set, it was clear that Demonic Resurrection had won over plenty of new fans, including myself.
Photography & Review by Artur Tarczewski
Then came Calva Louise, a band that I wasn’t sure what to expect from—maybe electronic-psychedelic metal? They brought their own unique flavor, a blend of melodic riffs, soaring vocals, and unexpected bursts of growling. As the band tore through their set with relentless energy, I found myself caught up in the raw, almost frantic tempo of their music. And I loved it. The crowd had no rest—every song seemed to build on the last, with tempo changes and adrenaline-pumping moments. By the time they played their last song, Jess, the lead vocalist, shared how honored they were to be touring with such an incredible band as Bloodywood. There was a playful back-and-forth with the crowd, including some good-natured boos when she mentioned France (she’s from Venezuela, Ben is from New Zealand, and Alizon is from France). A quick promise of a return gig in the near future made sure the crowd was definitely on their side.
Photography & Review by Artur Tarczewski
But all of that was just the warm-up. The real madness was about to begin.
At 9:30 PM, the lights dropped, the crowd roared, and Bloodywood exploded into “Dana-Dan” from their album Rakshak. The energy was instant—absolutely electric. The band was on fire, every member at the edge of the stage, jumping and headbanging like it was their last show on earth. The crowd? They were no different. The mosh pit formed almost immediately, a swirling mass of bodies, crowd surfing, and pure chaos. This was exactly what I’d hoped for. Bloodywood weren’t just playing music—they were creating a communal experience, a ritual of pure catharsis.
Then came “Nu Delhi,” a track from their latest album of the same name. This was the song that truly made me fall in love with Bloodywood. Their previous album, Rakshak, didn’t quite hit the same spot for me, but “Nu Delhi”? It spoke to me. The track’s blend of crushing riffs and Indian instrumentation, alongside Jayant Bhadula’s impassioned performance, was enough to set the whole venue on fire. I couldn’t resist joining the madness in the pit, jumping, headbanging, and snapping photos. The crowd and the band were in perfect sync, a seamless fusion of energy. Jayant even took a moment to acknowledge how special the song is to him, as New Delhi is where it all began for the band.
Then came “Aaj”—a masterpiece of melodic riffs, flute, rapping, and growling. This song is an anthem for the dreamers, the fighters, the ones who never give up. It’s a call to arms. The emotion in the air was undeniable—people were feelingthis one. I caught sight of two girls standing by the barrier, tears streaming down their faces as they sang along. It was one of those rare moments where music transcends the notes and lyrics, and you realize that what you’re witnessing isn’t just a performance—it’s something much deeper.
But Bloodywood wasn’t done with us yet. They followed “Aaj” with “Tadka,” a track with a more playful tone, laced with sarcasm and humor. “Are you hungry?” Jayant shouted. For me, personally, it was the worst possible timing—I hadn’t eaten a thing since 9:00 AM. But the track, with its infectious energy and humor, was the perfect antidote to the emotional rollercoaster that had been “Aaj.” The pit exploded into a wild circle of bodies, everyone moving to the infectious groove of “Tadka.”
By the time I glanced at the setlist, I couldn’t believe it—there were still five more songs to go. “Jee Veerey,” “Bekhauf,” “Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot),” “Halla Bol,” and “Gaddaar” were waiting for us. And each song was a punch in the gut of raw, unrelenting energy, covering themes of mental health, fear, and the fight for survival. Bloodywood’s music isn’t just about sound—it’s about soul. The passion was palpable in every note.
As the night neared its end, Bhadula’s voice echoed through the venue: “Unfortunately, this is our last song.” The crowd was already erupting as the opening notes of “Gaddaar” hit. This song is a political powerhouse, addressing the ever-relevant issue of political corruption, and it hit hard. I decided to watch from the balcony, and as I looked down, I felt the upper floor shake beneath me as people jumped, screamed, and gave everything they had. I won’t lie—I was a little nervous, but it was the kind of excitement that only a truly insane gig can generate.
This night will go down as one of the most exhilarating shows I’ve ever attended. Bloodywood delivered more than just a concert—they created a moment of raw, unfiltered passion. It was insane, it was powerful, and it was unforgettable. When they return to the UK, I’ll be there—no question.
Band Members
Raoul Kerr – vocals
Jayant Bhadula – vocals
Karan Katiyar – guitars
Vishesh Singh – drums
Roshan Roy – bass
Sarthak Pahwa – dhol
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Photography & Review by Artur Tarczewski
