“The Desi boys’ll always know diversity’s a gift.”
As the United States is becoming more isolated from the world, as words like “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are becoming dirty words, it is crucial for the metal world to remain as open and welcoming as possible. Obviously, here at Nu Metal Agenda, we decry any gatekeeping or nose-thumbing, and so we wish to celebrate all aspects of the genre we all love.
So with that in mind, let’s quit kidding ourselves and realize that Bloodywood are crushing it right about now.
Nu Delhi is a concentrated blast of fiery riffing and furious delivery, packing so much into eight tracks which total a mere thirty-three minutes. Their mix of Indian folk music with heavy metal makes for a sound that must be heard. They’ve gone viral with videos such as “Gaddaar” and the title track of this album, carrying the banner for international heavy metal, and even partnering with another well-known global act along the way.
If one listens to this album and doesn’t find themselves pumping their fists, they don’t have a pulse. There is a kinetic quality throughout the whole record that drives things forward at a brisk pace, particularly on the BABYMETAL collab “Bekhauf.” That song especially breaks up some of the sameness, and with the record being as relatively short as it is, said sameness can be excused to some extent.
What is also refreshing is the penultimate track “Tadka,” a love letter to cooking and food. Yes, these dudes found a way to make cuisine metal, and I’m here for it. It exhibits a quality that is admirable; that is, take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself quite as seriously. There is also a theme here that can be felt across the album: we welcome all, but if you act up, you will regret it. This less toxic take on FAFO is one that needs to be exhibited more often in heavy music, and it’s refreshing to see a band sticking to this mantra.
The title track closes the record, and while it could be argued that it should be the opening salvo, it is a powerful anthem that leaves the listener satisfied, but wanting more. It is a song that is easily one to show others to get them into Bloodywood, as it showcases everything one needs to know about the band. It is, and will be for some time, the touchstone for the band and therefore an open invitation to enter Nu Delhi.
Nu Delhi is out now via Fearless Records.
