With a blast of drums and a wave of sound, Bloodywood brought their unique blend of heavy music and traditional Indian influences to Mr. Smalls for an unforgettable night. The band is in the middle of their Return of the Singh Tour, a special run of thirteen headline shows in between opening for Babymetal across the United States. Hailing from New Delhi, India, Bloodywood have quickly become a global force in the metal scene, gaining attention for their energetic live shows and bold fusion of styles. The show in Pittsburgh felt like a victory lap for a band that has risen from humble beginnings to become a headline draw.
Opening the night was Pittsburgh’s own Your Siiick, and from the moment they took the stage it felt like the music came alive. The local duo came out swinging, not afraid to pour their heart and soul into their art. Darcy Tomayko’s vocals were soft yet poignant, and balanced perfectly with Matt Tomayko’s guitar. What really set them apart was how much emotion their music had, it was impossible to listen and not feel something. It was the perfect way to set the mood for the rest of the night.
Shattered, another hometown favourite, followed with a blistering set that brought a surge of electricity to the night. Their music was sharp and relentless and made the pit positivity explode. The band has a knack for making music that balances the heavines of the riffs and the heaviness of emotions, music that makes you feel something. The energy between the band and the crowd felt genuine, and when the last chord rang out, Mr. Smalls felt like a room united.
Then came Bloodywood, and the room erupted like a volcano. The band came out with a force that felt ten times stronger than their last Pittsburgh visit, and the energy surged through every person in the room. From the very first beat, the band commanded the attention of every person in the venue. Mr. Smalls, with its traditional church acoustics, gave the music a massive, completely encompassing sound and a truly captivating atmosphere. The smaller stage pulled all of that raw, fiery energy into a concentrated space, making every riff, every beat, every scream hit harder than ever.
Bloodywood wasted no time tearing into songs from their latest album, Nu Delhi, which was released just a few weeks ago and featured heavily throughout the set. The new songs landed with precision, showing everyone why Bloodywood has taken the metal world by storm. The title track “Nu Delhi,” which was an instant favourite for many since the day it released, came early in the set and gave Pittsburgh a first-hand taste of the raw, unadulterated intensity Bloodywood has to offer. Their collab with Babymetal, “Bekhauf,” got a huge reaction from the pit, doubly so since Bloodywood’s ongoing tour with Babymetal has built up massive hype. The band reminisced that they played 150 shows in 2023, all over the globe, and the one thing that was missing was a warm hearty meal, as there’s nothing quite like it. But good food needs to be shared, and with a battle cry shouted, “Pittsburgh, are you hungry?” before launching into the powerhouse “Tadka.” Bloodywood’s mix of traditional instruments and modern heavy riffs created a sound that felt timeless and urgent at the same time, filling every corner of Mr. Smalls with sound.
Throughout the night, Bloodywood commanded the room with an electric mix of precision and passion. The traditional dhol drum blended seamlessly with the deep chug of the guitars, creating a sound that felt both ancient and modern. Vocalists Raoul Kerr and Jayant Bhadula stalked the stage with relentless energy, rallying the crowd with every lyric and movement. The band clearly felt at home in Mr. Smalls, and their connection with the audience was obvious. The room surged with every beat, making the floor feel like it could cave in from the sheer force of sound and non-stop movement.
Between songs, the band spoke candidly about mental health and belonging, reminding every person in the room that it’s okay to struggle, that it’s okay to seek help. A message that’s incredibly important now more than ever, especially since June is both Pride Month and Men’s Mental Health Month. The songs, especially “Aaj,” felt like a conversation with the crowd about how to find strength in moments when hope feels far away. The band’s message was simple but powerful: no matter how dark it may seem, there’s always a way through, and tonight felt like proof of that. The room responded with an energy that felt like a wave crashing, every lyric screamed back at the band as a reminder that no one here was truly alone.
As the final song, “Gaddaar,” rang out and the lights came down, the room felt transformed. The night was a shared experience that spoke to the heart of every person present. The band left the stage to a wave of applause and emotion that felt like a collective exhale. Bloodywood had come to Mr. Smalls from halfway across the world, uniting two cultures with a shared love of heavy music, and left a mark that will not soon be forgotten. It was a night of heaviness and heart, a reminder that no matter who you are or where you come from, music can save lives and that, when all else fails, we can still come together to raise a voice, a fist, and a hopeful heart.
June 23rd, 2025
