With New Delhi’s dhol beats and heavy riffs, Bloodywood spiced up London – report of their show at O2 Forum Kentish Town

When you think about London, there are so many aspects to consider, including its vibrant multiculturalism. What better place to host this captivating lineup than on the last day of an incredible tour? A Thursday filled with the delightful sounds of Indian instruments like the flute and dhol drums, accompanied by powerful and expressive vocal ranges from around the world. This is the kind of lineup that we get excited about seeing. Bloodywood‘s tour was their second visit to the UK, featuring twenty-six dates to celebrate their new album “Nu Delhi” across Europe. If you haven’t had a chance yet to listen to the album, you are up for a miss, as it also features an exceptional collaboration with Babymetal! Demonic Resurrection and Calva Louise are the perfect companions for Bloodywood on this tour, promising an absolutely thrilling night in London! We brought along some lightweight shoes because we were ready to dance.

Demonic Resurrection

1. Matsya — The Fish
2. Apocalyptic Dawn
3. Krishna — The Cowherd
4. Narasimha — The Man-Lion
5. The Unrelenting Surge of Vengeance

The heavy double kick that marched through the intro of Demonic Resurrection‘s first song introduced us to what was to come. Their music touches on a wide variety of aspects of metal, and we hear some of the most profound and weighty elements. It is a sound that is unique, and it is a band that has risen to the top of the charts by pure determination and hard work. You can see how much this band have been influenced by many different aspects of metal from other bands and genres just by listening to their songs; yet they still manage to keep the Indian flag flying at a very high level. Singer Sahil: “The Demonstealer” Makhija took the opportunity to laugh about the fact that some people believed they were too heavy for Bloodywood fans. We held a different view, and the London crowd seemed to agree with our perspective. He also shot photographs and films to commemorate the moment when the audience was enjoying their appearance on the Kentish Town stage and recognizing the band’s 25 years of existence, despite all the lineup changes throughout those many years. Makhija’s infectious energy and charisma truly brought the performance to life, reminding everyone present of the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people from diverse backgrounds.

Photo: Peterson Marti.

Calva Louise

1. W.T.F.
2. Third Class Citizen
3. Over the Threshold
4. Aimless
5. Tunnel Vision
6. Feast is Over
7. Oportunista

Once the light switch flipped to a more dynamic approach, the vibe completely shifted to fit the fresh perspective that Calva Louise brought to the evening. The trio is made up of members from Argentina, France, and New Zealand. So, where do you think we should kick things off? What about stage presence? Sound? Lighting? There’s a lot to dive into here, and their unique music really stands out, even if I can’t quite pinpoint the genre the band is playing. Their creative vision is exceptionally sharp; they have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing their brand, even if it may not resonate with everyone. The blend of electronic effects, the experimental shift in vocal techniques, and those acid guitar riffs that remind you of Muse and Yeah Yeah Yeahs really transported everyone to a whole new dimension, kind of like a basketball bouncing around a room. Jess, the frontwoman, really knows how to command attention. Her powerful vocals and lovely tone in softer moments really impress us, and I’m sure they did the same for many people who might not know the band yet. She’s super humble between songs and always takes a moment to thank the audience for their support, giving her that true rock star vibe without any of the arrogance. As the set went on, we saw a really emotional Jess taking a moment to thank all the bands that had them as guests and expressing how much that meant to them on the last day of the tour. They even invited fans and everyone to stick around after the show.

Photo: Peterson Marti.

Bloodywood

1. Dana Dan
2. Nu Delhi
3. Aaj
4. Tadka
5. Jee Veerey
6. Bekhauf
7. Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot, extended)
8. Halla Bol
9. Gaddaar

As the drum prelude to “Dana Dan” begins, Bloodywood confidently steps onto the stage. The crowd surfers swiftly spark a frenzy; the pits are chaotic, and the audience reflects that energy the moment the notes of “Nu Delhi” begin. Jayant, the lead vocalist, expresses gratitude to all those who opposed them, acknowledging their role in making their dream a reality, and encourages everyone to persevere in pursuing their dreams. Observing someone express their true self and infuse their culture and values into music is genuinely delightful, particularly when they don vibrant attire that stands out from the typical all-black guitar, bass, and drums ensembles. Nevertheless, the degree of enjoyment, involvement, and significant effect of their performance is in no way diminished by their varying ethnic backgrounds. One of the rare qualities that Jayant possesses is the talent to engage an audience, prompting them to cheer and applaud from the very first note. His singing is unmatched; he can be a dynamic performer when necessary, yet he also possesses refined melodic sensibility and is adept at singing the specific Indian scales that define the sound of Bloodywood. Raoul creates rhymes in rap music that are unmatched in their impact. The introductions to their spoken songs appear to resonate with all listeners, whether they focus on overcoming personal struggles, finding hope, or addressing societal issues that are widely recognised. Raoul delivers an impassioned speech about the delightful flavours of Indian cuisine before introducing the audience to the next song, “Tadka”. It’s truly remarkable how everyone connects with the essence of the songs, even when they don’t comprehend the language. They all go wild, shouting “tadka-tadka-tadka” in unison! It truly unites the audience. Karan, the guitarist, showcases his remarkable skills and technical mastery as he plays lead melodies and solos on the traditional flute, which stands out against the powerful backdrop of the percussion being performed. Following a successful tour and night, the band makes their grand return to the stage to conclude the evening with the classic Punjabi sounds of “Gaddar”.

Photo: Peterson Marti.