Vijaysakumedia at 15:41, 29 April 2026

2026-04-29T15:41:04Z

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{{Short description|Indian metal band}}
{{Hatnote|For the 2016 Pentagram album also called Bloodywood, see [[Pentagram (Indian band)]].}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| name = Bloodywood
| image = Bloodywood, La Madeleine, BXL (22.03.2023).02.jpg
| caption = Bloodywood performing in 2023
| image_size =
| landscape = Yes
| alias =
| origin = [[New Delhi]], India
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Nu metal]]
* [[folk metal]]
* [[rap metal]]
* [[metalcore]]
}}
| years_active = 2016–present
| label = [[Fearless Records|Fearless]]
| website = {{URL|bloodywood.net}}
{{Infobox
| child = yes
| header = Logo
| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de
| data1 = [[File:Bloodywood logo.png|200px]]
}}
| current_members =
* Karan Katiyar
* Jayant Bhadula
* Raoul Kerr
| past_members =
}}

'''Bloodywood''' is an Indian [[Heavy metal music|metal]] band from [[New Delhi]], formed in 2016. Their style is primarily described as [[nu metal]] but also includes elements of [[folk metal]] and [[metalcore]]. They began as a [[Parody music|parody band]] that uploaded metal covers of [[pop songs]] on [[YouTube]]<ref name="bbcfeature">{{cite web |last1=Mateen |first1=Zoya |title=Bloodywood: From Indian parody band to metal music royalty |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64796715.amp |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=29 December 2024 |date=7 April 2023}}</ref> and later wrote their own music. They have become India's first metal act to chart on ''Billboard''.<ref name="bbcfeature" />

==History==
===Foundation and early years===
Prior to forming the band, Karan Katiyar regularly uploaded parody metal covers of popular [[Bollywood]] songs on YouTube, but he had trouble finding a suitable vocalist. At a local gig, Katiyar met Jayant Bhadula, who worked as a [[talent manager]] at an entertainment company, and was impressed by his vocal range and versatility.<ref name="Lewry" /> In 2016, Katiyar quit his job as a [[corporate lawyer]] and together with Bhadula formed a two-piece band<ref name="Lewry">{{cite magazine |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |title=Meet Bloodywood, the Indian metal act with a feel-good hit and a serious message |date=6 September 2018 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/meet-bloodywood-the-indian-metal-act-with-a-feel-good-hit-and-a-serious-message |magazine=[[Louder Sound]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref> with the intention of "destroying pop songs".<ref>{{cite web |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |title=The heavy metal band 'destroying' Punjabi pop music |date=4 October 2018 |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/article/2018/10/03/heavy-metal-band-destroying-punjabi-pop-music |publisher=[[SBS (Australian TV channel)|SBS]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref>

In 2017, Bloodywood re-recorded [[Linkin Park]]'s song "[[Heavy (Linkin Park song)|Heavy]]" in Linkin Park's early [[nu metal]] style, catching the attention of many music websites such as ''[[Loudwire]]'' and ''[[Metal Hammer]]'', the latter of which declared it "what Linkin Park's Heavy should have sounded like."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Divita |first=Joe |title=Linkin Park Fan Plays New Song 'Heavy' in Band's Old Style |date=22 February 2017 |url=https://loudwire.com/linkin-park-fan-new-song-heavy-classic-style/ |magazine=[[Loudwire]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Morton |first=Luke |title=This is what Linkin Park's Heavy should have sounded like |date=21 February 2017 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/this-is-what-linkin-parks-heavy-should-have-sounded-like-nu-metal |magazine=[[Louder Sound]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref> The band made more covers in 2017 and released the [[Compilation album|compilation cover album]] ''Anti-Pop Vol. 1'' on their [[Bandcamp]] page.<ref>{{cite web |title=India's heaviest metal band releases heaviest song of 2017 – Angry Santa Metal |date=25 December 2017 |url=https://uniteasia.org/indias-heaviest-metal-band-releases-heaviest-song-2017-angry-santa-metal/ |website=[[Unite Asia]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref> This was followed by a metal cover version of the popular [[Bhangra (music)|Bhangra]]/[[Indi-pop]] song "[[Tunak Tunak Tun]]" by [[Daler Mehndi]], featuring guest vocals from Bonde do Metaleiro.<ref>{{cite web |title=BLOODYWOOD Are Making Bollywood Metal A Thing, And It Sounds Great |date=9 February 2018 |url=https://metalinjection.net/video/bloodywood-are-making-bollywood-metal-a-thing-and-it-sounds-great |website=Metal Injection |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Axl |title=Video: Popular Punjabi Song "Tunak Tunak Tun" Made Metal |date=7 February 2018 |url=https://metalinjection.net/video/bloodywood-are-making-bollywood-metal-a-thing-and-it-sounds-great |website=Metal Injection |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref>

In 2018, Bloodywood released "[[Ari Ari (Indian Street Metal)|Ari Ari]]", a cover of the [[Bhangra (music)|Bhangra]] song "Ari Ari" by the duo [[Bombay Rockers]], which itself was a version of the Indian folk song "Baari Barsi".<ref name="Ari Ari">{{cite magazine |title=The Story Behind The Song: Bloodywood's Ari Ari |date=26 March 2021 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-story-behind-the-song-bloodywoods-ari-ari |magazine=[[Louder Sound]] |accessdate=28 December 2021}}</ref> The track featured rapper Raoul Kerr, whom Katiyar had invited to take part after working on a lyric video for him.<ref name="Lewry" /> The song's initial exposure was provided by [[Bollywood]] actress [[Ileana D'Cruz]], who shared the video of "Ari Ari" on her social media.<ref name="Ari Ari" /> The positive reception from fans encouraged the band to write original material and draw more inspiration from [[Indian folk music]].<ref name="Tagat">{{cite magazine |last=Tagat |first=Anurag |title=Watch Indian Metal Viral Stars Bloodywood's Uplifting New Video "Jee Veerey" |date=18 July 2018 |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/watch-indian-metal-viral-stars-bloodywoods-uplifting-new-video-jee-veerey |magazine=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref> In July of the same year, Bloodywood partnered with online counselling site HopeTherapy and released the song "Jee Veerey", dedicated to fighting depression and [[mental illness]].<ref name="Tagat" /><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bose |first=Rakhi |title=Meet 'Bloodywood', the Heavy Metal Band That's Rapping About Mental Health |date=24 July 2018 |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/meet-bloodywood-the-heavy-metal-band-thats-rapping-about-mental-health-1822311.html |magazine=[[News18]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref>

On 15 January 2019, the band released "Endurant", a song dealing with the topic of [[bullying]].<ref name="Revolver">{{cite magazine |title=Hear Indian Metal Viral Stars Bloodywood Take on Bullies with New Song "Endurant" |date=16 January 2019 |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-indian-metal-viral-stars-bloodywood-take-bullies-new-song-endurant |magazine=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref> On 21 April, it was announced that Bloodywood would perform at the German heavy metal festival [[Wacken Open Air]].<ref>{{cite web |title=53 new bands for the Easter holidays! |date=21 March 2019 |url=https://www.wacken.com/en/news-details/53-new-bands-for-the-easter-holidays/ |publisher=[[Wacken Open Air]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref> Two days later, the band released the song "Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)", initially intended for the upcoming [[Ubisoft]] game ''[[Beyond Good and Evil 2]]''. At the same time, Bloodywood announced that Kerr had become a permanent member of the band and that Bloodywood was embarking on their Raj Against the Machine Tour.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=See Indian Folk-Metal Act Bloodywood's New "Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)" Video |date=25 April 2019 |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-indian-folk-metal-act-bloodywoods-new-machi-bhasad-expect-riot-video |magazine=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |accessdate=26 April 2019}}</ref>

===''Rakshak'' and ''Nu Delhi''===
In 2021, Bloodywood was named one of the "12 new metal bands to watch in 2022" by the heavy metal and rock music magazine ''[[Metal Hammer]]''.<ref name="MHnewbands">{{cite magazine |last1=Mills |first1=Matt |last2=Hobson |first2=Rich |date=20 December 2021 |title=12 new metal bands to watch in 2022 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/12-new-metal-bands-to-watch-in-2022 |accessdate=28 December 2021 |magazine=[[Louder Sound]]}}</ref> They were also nominated for the Breakthrough Asian Band title at the 2021 Global Metal Apocalypse awards, finishing second.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 January 2022 |title=Global Metal Apocalypse (GMA) Awards 2021 – The Results |url=https://globalmetalapocalypse.weebly.com/metal-news/global-metal-apocalypse-gma-awards-2021-the-results |access-date=9 January 2022 |website=Global Metal Apocalypse}}</ref> Bloodywood's debut studio album, titled ''[[Rakshak (album)|Rakshak]]'', and was released on 18 February 2022.<ref name="MHnewbands" /> Lyrically, it tackles social and political topics, such as the track "Dana-Dan", which discusses rape and sexual assault.<ref name="Dana-Dan">{{cite web |title=Bloodywood Rakshak Lyrics Translated |date=14 June 2022|url=https://archive.org/details/a-collection-of-bredlik-poems-tumblr.com-03-05-2023/Dana-Dan%20-%20Rakshak%20%282022%29 |website=[[Internet Archive]] |accessdate=8 April 2024}}</ref><ref name="Dana-DanRage">{{cite web |title=Dana-Dan Lyrics |date=18 February 2022|url=https://genius.com/Bloodywood-dana-dan-lyrics |website=[[Genius Lyrics]] |accessdate=8 April 2024}}</ref>

On 18 October 2024, it was announced that the band had signed with [[Fearless Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themetalcoalition.com/post/fearless-records-signs-bloodywood-band-shares-nu-delhi-video-watch|title=Fearless Records Signs Bloodywood + Band Shares "Nu Delhi" Video — WATCH|date=18 October 2024|website=themetalcoalition.com}}</ref> This was followed by the release of the new single "Nu Delhi" and the confirmation of a 2025 European tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/bloodywood-nu-dehli-single|title="It's our love letter to the city that raised us." Indian nu metal sensations Bloodywood release thumping new single Nu Dehli, announce UK and Europe 2025 tour|date=18 October 2024|website=loudersound.com}}</ref> On 6 December, Bloodywood issued the single "Bekhauf", which featured the Japanese [[kawaii metal]] band [[Babymetal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=5 December 2024 |title=Bloodywood Team Up with Babymetal for New Single "Bekhauf"; Animated Video Teaser Available |url=https://bravewords.com/news/bloodywood-team-up-with-babymetal-for-new-single-bekhauf-animated-video-teaser-available |access-date=6 December 2024 |website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]]}}</ref> Bloodywood released their second studio album, ''[[Nu Delhi]]'', on 21 March 2025. In July, Bloodywood was featured in Babymetal's single "Kon! Kon!", from the album ''[[Metal Forth]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Emily |date=11 July 2025 |title=Babymetal team up with Bloodywood for new single Kon! Kon! |url=https://www.kerrang.com/babymetal-kon-kon-feat-bloodywood-official-music-video-new-single-album-metal-forth |access-date=19 July 2025 |website=[[Kerrang!]]}}</ref>

In 2026, Bloodywood launched their System of a Brown tour across the United States, which featured support from [[Ladrones (band)|Ladrones]], [[the Pretty Wild]], and [[Ankor (band)|Ankor]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kennelty |first=Greg |title=Bloodywood Announces U.S. Tour with the Pretty Wild, Ladrones & Ankor |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/bloodywood-announces-u-s-tour-with-the-pretty-wild-ladrones-ankor |work=Metal Injection |date=9 December 2025}}</ref>

==Musical style==
Bloodywood's music has been described as [[nu metal]],<ref name="AllMusic Genres">{{cite web|author=James Christopher Monger|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bloodywood-mn0004181699|title=Bloodywood AllMusic Buo|work=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=17 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Neilstein|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/11/10/indian-folk-nu-metal-bloodywood-bring-the-ruckus-on-gadaar/|title=Indian Folk Nu-Metal: Bloodywood Bring the Ruckus on "Gadaar"|work=[[MetalSucks]]|date=10 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Dom|last= Lawson|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/rakshak/|title=CD Reviews: Rakshak by Bloodywood|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=18 February 2022|access-date=18 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://uniteasia.org/indias-biggest-nu-metal-export-bloodywood-drop-new-music-video-single-india/|title=India's Biggest Nu-Metal Export Bloodywood Drop New Music Video/Single [India]|website=[[Unite Asia]]|date=22 January 2022|access-date= 18 February 2022}}</ref> [[folk metal]],<ref name="Revolver" /> [[rap metal]],<ref name="AllMusic Genres" /> and [[metalcore]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bloodywood : Rakshak (metalcore) : avis / chronique à lire sur Music Waves |url=https://www.musicwaves.fr/frmReview.aspx?ID=21343&REF=BLOODYWOOD_Rakshak |access-date=31 March 2025 |website=musicwaves.fr |language=fr |trans-title=Bloodywood: Rakshak (metalcore): review / column to read on Music Waves}}</ref>

==Social work==
Along with the messages included in their songs, the band aims to support various social/charity causes. With the release of the video for their song "Jee Veerey", they gave away pre-paid online counselling sessions. In a 2023 interview, Kerr claimed that the band's goal was "to channel their angst for the right causes and make people want to do something about them".<ref name="bbcfeature" />

Upon returning to India from their 2019 European tour, Bloodywood donated the earnings to Posh Foundation, a local NGO that cares for homeless animals, for the purchase of a new ambulance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Westbrook |first=Corinne |title=Bloodywood Donates Ambulance to Animal Rescue, Unleash New Song "Yaad" That Gives Us All the Feels |date=27 March 2020 |url=https://metalinjection.net/av/new-music/bloodywood-donates-ambulance-to-animal-rescue-unleash-new-song-yaad-that-gives-us-all-the-feels |website=Metal Injection |accessdate=28 November 2021}}</ref>

==Band members==
{{columns-start}}
* Karan Katiyar – guitars, flute, production, composition (2016–present)
* Jayant Bhadula – vocals, [[Death growl|growls]] (2016–present)
* Raoul Kerr – [[Rapping|rap vocals]] (2019–present; session musician 2018–2019)
{{column}}
'''Touring members'''
* Sarthak Pahwa – [[dhol]] (2019–present)
* Roshan Roy – bass (2019–present)
* Vishesh Singh – drums (2019–present)
{{columns-end}}

==Discography==
{{columns-start}}

===Studio albums===
* ''Anti-Pop Vol. 1'' (2017)
* ''[[Rakshak (album)|Rakshak]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Nu Delhi]]'' (2025)

===Singles===
* "Angry Santa" (2017)
* "Friday The 13th" (2017)
* "Punjabi Metal" (2017)
* "Tunak Tunak Metal" feat. Bonde do Metaleiro (2018)
* "Rang De Basanti" (2018)
* "[[Ari Ari (Indian Street Metal)|Ari Ari]]" (2018)
* "Jee Veerey" (2018)
* "Endurant" (2019)
* "Machi Bhasad" (2019)
* "Yaad" (2020)
* "Great Is Born Raw" with the Snake Charmer (2021)
* "Gaddaar" (2021)
* "Aaj" (2022)
* "Dana-Dan" (2022)
* "Nu Delhi" (2024)
* "Bekhauf" feat. [[Babymetal]] (2024)
* "Tadka" (2025)
{{column}}

===Videos===
* "Angry Santa" (2017)
* "Tunak Tunak Tun" feat. Bonde do Metaleiro (2018)
* "Rang De Basanti" (2018)
* "Ari Ari" (2018)
* "Jee Veerey" (2018)
* "Endurant" (2019)
* "Machi Bhasad" (2019)
* "Yaad" (2020)
* "Gaddaar" (2021)
* "Aaj" (2022)
* "Dana-Dan" (2022)
* "Nu Delhi" (2024)
* "Bekhauf" feat. Babymetal (2024)
* "Tadka" (2025)
{{columns-end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|bloodywood.net}}
* [https://bloodywood.bandcamp.com/ Bandcamp page]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2016 establishments in Delhi]]
[[Category:Cover bands]]
[[Category:Fearless Records artists]]
[[Category:Indian folk metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2016]]
[[Category:Nu metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Indian heavy metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Parody musicians]]
[[Category:Indian parodists]]
[[Category:Indian comedy musicians]]
[[Category:Indian political music groups]]
[[Category:Rap metal musical groups]]

Bloodywood - Revision history

Vijaysakumedia at 15:41, 29 April 2026