Meaning ‘protector’ or ‘guardian’ in their native Hindi, Rakshak gives us ten tracks intended to empower the downtrodden. Bloodywood want to give us the tools to protect our own inner peace while taking up the mantle for those who feel unable to. Combining the calmness instilled within traditional Indian music with crushing metal riffs, Bloodywood seek to reignite the rap metal movement the likes of Rage Against The Machine shouldered before them.
Right off the bat, ‘Gaddaar’ treats us to a new breed of boast rap. Raoul Kerr’s barks of “we’re the antidote” swoop through the midsection of Karan Katiyar’s industrial beats and chunky metal riffs. Before we could get swept up in comparisons with Limp Bizkit or Nine Inch Nails, billows of traditional Indian music prick our ears. While some of the lyrics have a whiff of cheese, “We keep it real like the UFC” for example, there’s no denying this three-piece believe every word they deliver.
What Bloodywood deliver is social commentary on a variety of themes. ‘Machi Bhasad’’s synth infused chug pushes the population to rise above their oppressors. “Those who came before feat what is yet to come” doesn’t just speak of political powers but also rings true of generational gaps. A chaotic chorus delivered entirely of sludge metal growls in Hindi light the flame of adrenaline the rap sections laid the detonators for. Akin to an incendiary device ‘Dana-Dan’ is an, at times, uncomfortable confrontation of sexual assault. “I put a fist into the face of a rapist” hits like that explosion. To the point we skip back to the beginning just to make sure we’ve heard right. Pressing on trigger points, Kerr’s rap sections are delivered frantically, the power of his rage undeniable. Jayant Bhadula’s snarling vocals broil against the pummelling riff, giving this a Pantera vibe we feel comfortable getting behind. Not that we condone any ideas of vigilantism.
Mentioning those two themes is only the tip of the Bloodywood iceberg. Among others, the rap metalists cite politics, poverty, and corruption as sources of inspiration. This rakshak becomes overburdened as a result. Much like the populace. As we confront heavy subject after heavy subject, fatigue sets in. There are times where Rakshak feels like a doom scroll on Twitter, reading atrocity after atrocity. In the end we burn out.
That said, Bloodywood’s mission statement is to make a positive impact on their listeners. One of their core subjects is combatting mental illness. ‘Aaj’’s darker sonic atmosphere taps into the depth of emotion depression houses. The combination of a flute with a low frequency riff forces a bloom of epic proportions. The choruses are expansive in their metal inspiration, creating space to take in the true magnitude of mental illness. A flute replacing the guitar for a solo take ‘Aaj’ to a new plain, mirroring the many faces mental illness can have. The album’s flagship, and Bloodywood’s most popular song to date, ‘Jee Veerey’ serves as a beacon of hope in the centre of the darkness. With woodwind taking centre stage, the swell into an expansive heavy metal chorus subtly shakes us to the core. Though we don’t understand every word being sung they register on a deeply emotional level.
Rakshak poses the question; how much are we willing to endure? Is the record a long listen? Yes. However, it is an investment many will be willing to make. Bloodywood give us some semblance of power with a track aptly titled ‘Endurant’. While it follows the now formulaic make up of a Bloodywood track, it allows for the lyrics to garner attention and deliver the message “find love under your own skin”.
In a time where many of us are perpetually burned out, Rakshak’s heavy themes may prove too much. Yet this album will help many channel their inner frustrations towards something positive. Rakshak is an album of understanding. A sign people are being seen and heard. Does it suffer with kitchen sink syndrome? At times it does. Bloodywood is one to watch as a lot of love and care has gone into their craft. With a little time however, that can be further refined into albums of greatness.