BLOODYWOOD: Nu Delhi (METALCORE): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

After the impact of “Rakshak,” which won everyone over with its explosive mix of nu-metal and Indian sounds, the band was eagerly awaited: would it repeat itself or take a step forward? The answer is clear: Bloodywood chose the latter, refining its formula and taking it to a higher technical level, as the band continues its rise in the global metal scene.

The first thing that strikes you is the sound. Whereas “Rakshak” had an almost wild energy, “Nu Delhi” stands out with a much more polished production. Traditional percussion instruments, notably the dhol and tabla, blend naturally with the distorted guitars, without ever sounding like a gimmick. The mix is powerful, expansive, almost cinematic at times. It's a real step up.

Bloodywood is no longer just the Indian band that mixes folk and metal. With “Nu Delhi,” they simply become Bloodywood. The fusion is fluid, coherent, and above all, assertive. Listening to tracks like “Bekhauf” or “Halla Bol,” you get the feeling that they're no longer trying to prove anything: they're just playing their music, period. And that's exactly what gives them such a strong identity. Another notable technical point is the way the tracks are constructed. Bloodywood remains faithful to the codes of nu-metal (powerful intro, chanted verses, explosive choruses), but adds very elaborate and surprising breakdowns compared to the previous album.

The downside of such a strong identity is that the album sometimes suffers from a lack of variety. Several tracks have a similar structure and intensity, which can give a “déjà vu” effect as you listen. Above all, there isn't necessarily an “instant hit” like ‘Gaddaar’ or “Dana-Dan,” which made such a deep impression on Rakshak. Here, the emotion is more diffuse, less explosive.

Nevertheless, this new album has its share of highlights, such as “Bekhauf” (featuring Babymetal), which is probably the most technically daring track, with a mix of ethereal female vocals and heavy riffs, supported by syncopated rhythms. The blend of two such different worlds is a success in itself. “Halla Bol” proves to be a model of live construction, with a central percussive break that cuts the track in two and sets the stage for a devastatingly effective finale. Finally, the title track, “Nu Delhi,” is almost a technical calling card: everything is there, from subtle traditional arrangements to perfectly produced heavy riffs.

“Nu Delhi” is proof that Bloodywood has taken its role as the standard-bearer of Indian metal seriously. The album is technically flawless, whether in the quality of the mixing, the precision of the riffs, or the highlighting of traditional instruments. But this perfection comes at a cost: the element of surprise is diluted, and some tracks seem too similar in their structure. Even if it doesn't have the hit that will rock stadiums in ten years' time, “Nu Delhi” is a solid, sincere, and coherent album with an undeniable sound identity. In short, even if the element of surprise has disappeared, “Nu Delhi” is the work of a band at the height of its maturity. - Official website

BLOODYWOOD

NU DELHI

CONCORD RECORDS

METALCORE