There’s just the one support band tonight, but oh my what a band. It’s no secret that I’ve been championing Brighton’s Lake Malice ever since I saw them support Hacktivist last May. They blend a variety of influences and styles in a fresh, enthusiastic, characterful way both musically and visually. Once again I’m eager to catch them live and tonight they don’t disappoint.

Alice and Blake, together with a dynamic rhythm duo, provide a delicious mix of metal, tech-metal, punk, pop and electro-rock which has a forever catchy and unique edge. Live we see even more of Alice’s diverse vocals, switching between velvety clean singing, as I’ve previously described somewhere between Ava Max and Hayley Williams, and then storming effortlessly into Atari Teenage Riot shouty vocals and guttural Vexed type growling. All the time she’s bounding about the stage like a firecracker, and it’s impossible to take your eyes off her. That is until Blake bounds to the front of the stage, spinning, jumping and striking poses while laying out jagged, energetic guitar riffs.

Fans of Spiritbox, Dream State and Vukovi need to check out this band. You simply have to. They’re infectiously enjoyable, with a brilliant dancey but heavy feelgood factor of exciting, vibrant fun.

Lake Malice at the Academy 2 in Manchester on March 28th 2023 ©

Having interviewed Bloodywood guitarist Karan Katiyar before the gig (see interview HERE), I’m eager to see what the headliners from New Delhi have to offer in an intimate tour setting rather than massive festival stage on which I’ve seen them before. This is the delayed “Rakshak” album cycle tour, and whilst I was gutted that the tour name wasn’t a pun on this occasion (previous tours have included ‘Raj Against The Machine’ and ‘Nine Inch Naans’), I’ve got to say that’s the only disappointing aspect of this phenomenal performance!

It’s clear from the get-go that Bloodywood have brought their A-game to Manchester. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy in the room is electrifying. The Indian folk-metal band waste no time in delivering their signature blend of heavy riffs, pounding drums, and traditional Indian instruments. It’s a melting pot of metal and culture, and it’s glorious. Lead vocalist, Jayant Bhadula, is an absolute powerhouse on stage. His vocals are on point throughout, providing both the traditional Indian cleans as well as growling, and he has the crowd in the palm of his hand from the first minute. He works the stage like a seasoned pro, engaging the audience and encouraging them to join in on the metal party. It’s clear he’s having as much fun as the punters, and that energy is always contagious.

It’s not just Jayant who sets the place alight though. Rapper Raoul Kerr is a force of nature, prowling the stage like a caged animal and unleashing his brutal chatting with a ferocity that leaves the crowd breathless. The rest of the band lay down a crushing wall of sound that has the audience moshing and headbanging without rest. In guitarist, and flute maestro, Karan they have a brilliant composer and instrumentalist, on stage demonstrating phenomenally tight Wes Borland-esque riffing and additional flute solos that are mind-blowing. It’s notable the way the band seamlessly incorporated traditional Indian instruments like the dhol into their sound, and whilst fans of Rise of the Northstar and Mushroomhead will hear aspects and vibes they recognise, there is a pure distinctness to Bloodywood’s sound and performance you just won’t find anywhere else.

Highlights include ‘Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)’, ‘Ari Ari,’ and the bookends of two different versions of ‘Gaddaar’. The crowd go wild during these songs, and it’s clear that Bloodywood has already built up a loyal following in Manchester. Tonight they create an unforgettably fun atmosphere through a stunning performance - a celebration of culture, music, and unity, and one that will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to be there.