Bloodywood

Indian heavy metal group Bloodywood emerged in 2016 with a distinctive style that combines crushing nu-metal and rap-metal with regional folk music. Based in New Delhi, the project grew out of a series of parody metal covers of Bollywood pop songs uploaded by co-founder and multi-instrumentalist Karan Katiyar. After hiring Jayant Bhadula to handle vocals, the duo began operating under the Bloodywood moniker and quickly caught the public’s attention with a brutal cover of Linkin Park’s “Heavy.” More eclectic covers followed (Backstreet Boys, 50 Cent, Ariana Grande, Nirvana), most of which made their way onto the group’s 2017 compilation LP Anti-Pop, Vol. 1. The band enlisted rapper Raoul Kerr for their 2018 rendition of Bombay Rockers’ “Ari Ari,” which became a streaming hit thanks to Bollywood actress Ileana D’Cruz, who shared the track on her social media. The song’s success encouraged Bloodywood to start penning their own songs, beginning with the mental illness awareness cut “Jee Veerey,” which saw them partner with the online counseling site HopeTherapy. They took on bullying in 2019 with the anthemic “Endurant,” followed by the rousing “Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot).” Now operating as a trio with Kerr’s membership having become official, Bloodywood began laying down tracks for their first set of originals. The resulting Rakshak, which included the singles “Gaddaar” and “Aaj,” appeared in 2022. ~ James Christopher Monger