New Delhi folk metallers Bloodywood. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
New Delhi folk metal band Bloodywood up the stakes with “Nu Delhi,” their love letter to home that comes with an action-packed music video directed by guitarist-producer Karan Katiyar and shot by Kushagra Nautiyal.
The music video not only takes viewers through New Delhi sights – from monuments to markets and metros – but also has surprise cameos by rap duo Seedhe Maut’s Encore ABJ, keyboardist-composer Subir Malik from rock veterans Parikrama (playing the harmonium), vocalist Shashank Bhatnagar (from Inner Sanctum), guitarist Shashvat Pandit, YouTubers Fing and Karl Rock.
The single – their first since the breakout 2022 debut album Rakshak – is out via American label Fearless Records and marks a new journey from the staunchly independent, DIY band. Bloodywood says in a statement, “The success we achieved with Rakshak, all on our own showed us what we’re capable of. But now, we’re ready for the next chapter. Now we wanted to see what a label could bring to the table. We wanted a partner who’s as passionate and committed to our music as we are. We found that partner in Fearless Records, and we’re excited to kick off this collaboration with the release of our first single from the new album.”
Lyrically and sonically, Bloodywood bring a familiar aural assault that blends Punjabi folk elements with Slipknot-level intensity, giving maximum impact when experienced through the music video. Rapper Raoul Kerr bats for diversity at the heart of the city and how there’s resistance to divisive forces. Vocalist Jayant Bhadula lends his distinctive vocal highs and growls to the song, singing about how you have to keep your ego in check while in the capital and how tough love is the way of life.
The band said in their statement about the song, “’Nu Delhi’ is our love letter to New Delhi, the city that raised us, where we grew up dreaming of doing exactly what we are now. It’s a city of vibrant chaos, filled with love yet quick to set you straight if you overstep. It’s not just a city, it’s a game of chess.”
The release comes on the back of plenty of news in the Bloodywood camp, including announcing an India tour in 2024 and a 2025 Europe tour called Return of the Singh. The India dates include big-stage performances at Republic of Rock in Kolkata on Nov. 9, Mahindra Independence Rock in Mumbai on Nov. 17, Bandland festival in Bengaluru on Nov. 24 and Outrage Festival in New Delhi on Dec.1. The band will also perform on Dec. 15 in Assam, with more details forthcoming.
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