BLOODYWOOD - Rakshak
Debut Album Holds Nothing Back
Written by: Tom Wilson – Sense Music Media | Tuesday 01 March 2022
The fact that a documentary about Punjabi metal troupe BLOODYWOOD was called “Raj Against the Machine” should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect here. Having started off by setting YouTube ablaze with covers of popular songs, Rakshak sees the Indian metallers release their first salvo of original material, and it’s an absolute screamer.
The Review
Opener Gaddaar goes for the throat right away – enraged rap metal erupting into soaring Punjabi vocals. Not bilingual? No problem – the rage needs no translation. Concrete-cracking djent grooves pound over percussion that would make SLIPKNOT blush, utilising the unmistakable sound of the dhol, the traditional double-headed drum. Aaj sees thundering video game metal veer into a frankly epic flute lead from guitarist Karan Katiyar (pictured on a mountaintop in the video, no less), Raoul Kerr dropping rap verses, and Jayant Bhadula delivering the roars and soaring battle cries. “I put a fist through the face of a rapist” Raoul threatens on Dana-Dan, and if his fist doesn’t do enough damage, the riffs will finish the job. Yaad is one for the metalcore fans, with Jayant unfurling huge vocal hooks, while Chakh Le throws some scintillating sitar into their sonic maelstrom.
There is something for everyone here. Fans of NORTHLANE will love the guitar work and soaring vocals. The nu metal crowd will dig the shades of LIMP BIZKIT-style rap and samples. Djent fans will give themselves a neck injury from Kayan’s down-tuned riffage. Fans of great music will like the whole damn thing. From its opening notes, Rakshak will consume you, and the bangers simply do not stop.
The Verdict
Not since SEPULTURA’s Roots has there been such a perfect collision of culture and heavy music.
