Bloodywood Live @ O2 Academy Bristol | What Went Down

Bloodywood Live @ O2 Academy Bristol | What Went Down

*Photo: Martha Fitzpatrick (@marthafphoto)*

Bloodywood make their triumphant return to Bristol for a sold-out show, where crushing riffs meet Punjabi folk rhythms in a riotous celebration of resistance and unity

Words by James Crisp | March 30, 2025

I would be lying if I said I have seen and heard a dhol (Indian drum) not just used but incorporated in such a beautiful way within such brutally heavy music before, but hey, here we are in a sold-out, sweaty Bristol O2 Academy and that is just what is happening. I could only, of course, be talking of one band.

Only formed in 2016, the mighty Bloodywood have been making all sorts of waves in the metal world with their very unique take on the genre. Mixing harsh vocals with rap-style vocals, using instruments like the previously mentioned dhol and even a flute. They are something to definitely be witnessed in a live setting for sure. Which brings us to the night at hand.

Bringing two fantastic support bands with them on this tour, which only added to the oh-so-lovely chaos. First support, all the way from Mumbai, we have symphonic death metal veterans Demonic Resurrection, who were personally new to me, but what a way to start a show.

Photos: James Crisp (@james_taking_pictures)

Following them was the London-based alternative, electronica rock trio by the name of Calva Louise A little different type of energy from these guys was given, which was a nice genre change just to mix things up for the night, but still for a three-piece band, what a beautifully savage sound they brought.

Photos: Martha Fitzpatrick (@marthafphoto)

Headliner time and what a phenomenal performance. The amount of energy given by Bloodywood”on the penultimate date of the Return of the Singh tour was insane, with not any one member staying still for even a second. The band played songs from both full-length albums ‘Rakshak’ and this year’s new release ‘Nu Delhi.’

Photos: James Crisp (@james_taking_pictures)

This being one of the last shows of the tour, the audience and the band themselves were treated to an odd display in which towards the end of the show, the bands crew all took over the stage to not only have a friendly on-stage wall of death with the band, but just before that the touring crew stared at and followed the members around the stage whilst eating bananas. This was something I saw from the back of the incredibly lively venue, and I needed to get closer to clarify what I was actually seeing.

There are many things I could say to describe this band’s live performance, but I don’t think any one word, sentence or paragraph could explain the complete fun time carnage that this band brings with them.