Rakshak: An album review

Bloodywood, the New Delhi metal sensations have released their long-awaited debut album after rising to fame three years ago, was it worth the wait?

Credit: Bloodywood

Bloodywood are an irresistible combination of nu-metal, thought-provoking lyrics, and traditional Indian instruments. They originally started with covers of popular songs in 2016 but rose to fame three years ago with their single Ari Ari and since then have performed at Wacken Open Air and completed a world tour.

Credit: Bloodywood

First Impressions

First of all, I was delighted with the cover artwork, it is filled with detail and meaning and would make an excellent poster.

Rakshak opens with Gaddaar, a heavy, charged anthem filled with political commentary, roars, and rapping all combined with a mixture of traditional Indian folk instruments and heavy metal. The next two songs AAJ and Zanjeero Se are equally as strong and Zanjeero Se has some balladry which contrasts nicely and highlights the emotions to the lyrics which talk about overcoming mental health challenges.

Bloodywood never shies away from talking about difficult topics and Dana Dan is a perfect example of that. Dana Dan talks about sexual assault and the need for men to work together and make a difference, this is the heaviest song on the album (both lyrics-wise and music-wise) and it is excellent.

Machi Bhasad is an absolute cracker of a song and will certainly set the pits alive at gigs! Endurant and Yaad are both tearjerkers but as ever they finish on a positive note as is prevalent throughout Rakshak. Yadd also features a tremendous guitar solo.

Final Thoughts

Rakshak is forty-eight minutes of delightfully heavy, memorable songs that each stand out in their own way, it is also evident throughout the album that Bloodywood really enjoy what they do. Essentially, this is an excellent debut anthem and it was certainly worth the wait. I look forward to seeing what else Bloodywood produce in the future.

Bloodywood will be touring Europe next year and will be appearing at Bloodstock this year.

https://www.bloodywood.net/