Bloodywood return to Manchester with their first shows since releasing their debut album as they perform to a sell-out crowd once again. Newcomers Lake Malice would support.
Industrial nu-metalcore band Lake Malice began the show and they were certainly unique. They blend electronica elements with metalcore and nu-metal, it’s actually easier to call them metal. They opened with ‘Black Square’ and the energy was at 100 as they patrolled the stage and it stayed there throughout the set.
Lake Malice have an eclectic sound but still have an accessible sound once you completely abandon the concept of genre and just accept it as experimental and abrasive music. ‘Creepers’ and ‘Stop the Party’ could work at dance clubs and raves but in the meantime, they belong to the metal scene and we’re happy to have them as they continue to evolve and experiment.
Bloodywood came on to the album opener, ‘Gaddaar.’ The bendy slurring guitar work working in tandem with the traditional Indian folk instrumentation made for a strange and unique experience for the uninitiated but for the rest of the crowd, it was exactly what they wanted. The band continued on with ‘BSDK.exe’ a slower and heavier track that was more focused on its lyricism which dealt with journalistic integrity and the media’s use of subtly disguised propaganda and “the death of sensationalism”. It’s important to understand where your news is coming from and in an age of information, it’s imperative you corroborate everything you immediately believe.
‘Aaj’ introduced the flute as the main melody and that was really cool to see, there aren’t many bands that utilise that kind of instrument in such a way. The flute is usually a tone setter or a background instrument but its inclusion made this track all the more memorable due to its positive life-affirming tone. Between each song, the band would use their platform to preach positivity and the key ways to better yourself and make the world a better place as well as the intolerance of intolerance. ‘Dana-Dan’ dealt with refusing to tolerate sexual predators in our society, a message every rational-thinking person should be behind. The concept of absolute tolerance is flawed because to be absolutely tolerant is to be accepting of things that are inexcusable and Bloodywood nailed this message and phrased it in a very succinct and agreeable manner.
‘Jee Veeray’ was a ballad that discussed mental health, a subject most people in the audience have first-hand experience with and to hear such a powerful message contained within this type of music gave a sense of catharsis and helped provide some – including myself, with a feeling of togetherness which is something the metal community prides itself on.
‘Zanjeero Se’ continued the theme of positivity despite adversity. This track featured some of the most intricate guitar work of the set and sounded like an early metalcore track but once again, the lyrics were the focal point. While I don’t understand Hindi, everything felt triumphant, massive and Raoul Kerr’s rapped lyrics ramping up in intensity before the chorus could be one of the best moments in live music I’ve experienced recently.
Manchester expected a riot as ‘Macchi Bhased’ began, pits and wild headbanging were all over the place. It was difficult to find a single person standing still as the chaos continued to fill the room.
‘Ari Ari’ ended the show and much like the rest of the set, it was a bonding experience for everyone. As Raoul said in our recent interview ‘Ari Ari’ was interpreted as “despite our differences, we are one”, a message that has been ingrained in music as long as it has existed.
Bloodywood aspire to be the biggest they can possibly be in an attempt to use their platform for good, a noble cause many can relate to and be inspired by. They may still be a smaller band but they’re only getting bigger and better as they spread positivity across the land.
