Bloodywood at O2 Ritz, Manchester — 25th March 2025 : Live Gig Review

Venue Review: O2 Ritz, Manchester
The O2 Ritz in Manchester is a historic venue with a rich musical legacy, offering an intimate yet energetic atmosphere for live performances. The 1,500-capacity space strikes a balance between a classic ballroom feel thanks to its iconic sprung dancefloor and modern production quality.

Sound quality is generally solid, with clear acoustics, though the mix can vary depending on the act. The tiered layout ensures decent visibility from most spots, but taller crowds near the front can make sightlines tricky for those further back. The balcony provides a great vantage point for those preferring a more relaxed view.
Bar service is efficient but, as expected, drinks are on the pricier side. Security and staff are usually friendly and well-organized, keeping things running smoothly.

Overall, the O2 Ritz is a fantastic mid-sized venue with character, great for catching up-and-coming bands as well as established acts in a more personal setting.

Tonight the O2 Ritz played host to the “Return Of The Singh” tour which featured performances from Demonic Resurrection, Calva Louise and Bloodywood.

Opening Act: Demonic Resurrection
On a night when the O2 Ritz was packed to the rafters, Demonic Resurrection stormed the stage as the opening act for Bloodywood, proving exactly why they’ve been a force in Indian metal for 25 years. By the time I finally managed to get inside, the band had already kicked into ‘Matsya – The Fish’, setting the tone for an intense, high-energy set.

Frontman Sahil ‘Demonstealer’ Makhija made it clear from the start that this was a special occasion, proudly stating that they had come all the way from India and had played Manchester twice before. He joked about the band’s longevity, pointing out that their drummer, Nikhil Rajkumar, is only 22 and wasn’t even born when they started.

The crowd’s enthusiasm was undeniable. During ‘Apocalyptic Dawn’, Makhija urged everyone to bang their heads, and later, before ‘Narasimha – The Man-Lion’, he demanded a pit, inviting fans to spread out and create chaos. He also touched on Britain’s heavy metal legacy, calling out the country’s diehard metalheads while sharing a personal story—when he left India, a friend told him British audiences wouldn’t like their music, thinking it was “too heavy” even for Bloodywood fans. Determined to prove them wrong, he took a photo with the roaring audience as evidence.

The most unexpected moment came during ‘Krishna – The Cowherd’, when, amid the swirling pit, a group of guys in baby pink cowboy hats broke into the Macarena—because, apparently, even extreme metal gigs have room for some absurd fun.

Closing out their set, Demonic Resurrection made sure everyone in the venue was involved. Hands were raised all the way to the back, and when ‘The Unrelenting Surge of Vengeance’ hit its peak, the whole room jumped on cue. It was an electrifying finish and a perfect warm-up for the night ahead.

Before leaving the stage, Makhija made one final connection with the crowd, announcing that he’d be at the merch stall to meet everyone—joking that, these days, musicians are basically just “personal T-shirt salesmen.” But tonight, he and his band were far more than that. Demonic Resurrection didn’t just open the show—they set the bar high, proving that their brand of extreme metal belongs on any stage, anywhere in the world.

Support Act: Calva Louise

Following Demonic Resurrection‘s ferocious opening set, Calva Louise took to the stage and delivered a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Unlike the bands before and after them, they didn’t need to say much—because their presence and musicianship spoke volumes.

The highlight was undoubtedly the sheer fluidity of their setup. Throughout it all, the band’s frontwoman Jess Allanic performed with grace, barely breaking a sweat as she moved between instruments while singing flawlessly, only pausing for the occasional intricate guitar solo. Watching the keyboard slide seamlessly on a bracket (designed by Taho), allowing for effortless transitions between synth-driven sections and guitar-heavy moments, was a masterclass in multitasking.

When they did eventually address the crowd, Allanic introduced the band’s international roots—Venezuela, New Zealand, and France—before teasing their French bassist Alizon Taho about facing a British crowd. The joke was quickly put to rest as she revealed that the band was, in fact, British as that is where it formed in 2016.

With this being their 24th gig of the tour, she reflected on the incredible experience they’d had and expressed their hope to do it all over again. She then made a heartfelt appeal—inviting the crowd to meet them after the show, whether to buy a T-shirt or simply to have a drink and say hello. Allanic made it clear that every shirt sold was a step toward funding their return, before asking if the crowd would come and see them again. The resounding cheer left no doubt that Manchester would welcome them back with open arms.

With their slick musicianship, effortless cool, and undeniable chemistry, Calva Louise proved that sometimes, words aren’t necessary. Their performance was more than enough.

The Main Act: Bloodywood
As Bloodywood took the stage, they ignited an atmosphere of unbridled energy and cultural fusion. The moment they appeared, the crowd erupted, and the floor vibrated beneath the collective enthusiasm.

Opening with ‘Dana Dan’, the band’s signature blend of traditional Indian instruments and heavy metal set the tone for an unforgettable night. Early in the set, during ‘Nu Delhi’, a giant inflatable duck made its way into the crowd, adding a whimsical touch to the intense performance. The visual spectacle was further amplified during ‘Aaj’, with intermittent bursts from fireworks and steam cannons enhancing the sensory experience.

Fan favorite ‘Tadka’ had the entire audience chanting in unison, showcasing the band’s ability to foster a communal spirit. Before ‘Jee Veerey’, rap vocalist Raoul Kerr spoke about the importance of resilience in the face of mental illness, the song’s title translates to “Live, Brave One.” This heartfelt moment resonated deeply, highlighting the band’s commitment to addressing meaningful themes through their music.

‘Bekhauf’ saw vocalist Jayant Bhadula preparing the audience for an interactive call-and-response segment. The complexity of the Hindi lyrics left the crowd struggling to participate, and drummer Vishesh Singh added a lighthearted “ba-dum-tss,” eliciting laughter and easing any linguistic challenges.

A surprising turn occurred when security formed a gap in the crowd, leaving many puzzled. This setup paved the way for percussionist Sarthak Pahwa to join the circle pit during ‘Machi Bhasad’, blurring the lines between performer and audience in a thrilling display of unity.

During ‘Halla Bol’, the band instructed everyone to crouch down and then leap simultaneously—a directive met with full compliance as the entire room moved in unison, embodying the song’s rallying spirit.

The encore featured ‘Gaddaar’, during which I felt droplets on my face each time Pahwa energetically played his dhol. Whether it was his sweat or condensation from the ceiling, it underscored the raw intensity of the performance.

Concluding the show, Bhadula thoughtfully distributed setlists to women, children, and those with disabilities, reflecting the band’s genuine appreciation for their diverse fanbase.

Bloodywood’s performance at the O2 Ritz was a masterclass in blending cultural heritage with modern metal, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.

For everything Bloodywood visit >> HERE <<

For everything Calva Louise visit >> HERE <<

For everything Demonic Resurrection visit >> HERE <<

For more photography from the evening visit my INSTAGRAM >> HERE <<