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{{Infobox album
| name = Rakshak
| type = studio
| artist = [[Bloodywood]]
| cover = Bloodywood rakshak.jpg
| alt = Illustration of a crawling boy with an elephant behind.
| released = 18 February 2022
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Nu metal]]
* [[rap metal]]
* [[folk metal]]
* [[Indian folk music]]<ref name="UNIrev"/><ref name="Kinter"/><ref name="MHrev"/>
}}
| length = 47:13
| language = {{flatlist|
* [[English language|English]]
* [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
* [[Hindi]]
}}
| label = Independent
| producer = Karan Katiyar
| prev_title = Anti-Pop Vol. 1
| prev_year = 2017
| next_title = [[Nu Delhi]]
| next_year = 2025
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Rakshak
| type = studio
| single1 = Gaddaar
| single1date = 9 November 2021<ref name="MHgaddaar"/><ref name="BWBKg"/>
| single2 = Aaj
| single2date = 24 January 2022<ref name="MSaaj"/><ref name="MHaaj"/><ref name="BWBKaaj"/>
| single3 = Dana Dan
| single3date = 18 February 2022
}}
}}
'''''Rakshak''''' ({{langx|hi|रक्षक|translit=rakṣak}} "protector"<ref name="Kinter">{{cite web |last1=Travers |first1=Paul |title=Bloodywood: "The theme of this band is that it has to be something that adds value to this world" |url=https://www.kerrang.com/bloodywood-indian-metal-rakshak-theme-of-this-band-something-that-adds-value-to-this-world |website=[[Kerrang!]] |publisher=Wasted Talent Ltd |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=17 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="MUinter">{{cite web |last1=Rick |title=Bloodywood Interview |url=https://www.metalutopia.com/bloodywood-interview/ |website=Metal Utopia |access-date=22 February 2022 |date=13 January 2022}}</ref>) is the debut studio album by the Indian [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Bloodywood]], independently released on 18 February 2022.<ref name="MSaaj">{{cite web |last1=Neilstein |first1=Vince |title=Bloodywood Drop New Indian Folk + Nu-Metal Banger "Aaj" |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/01/24/bloodywood-drop-new-indian-folk-nu-metal-banger-aaj/ |website=MetalSucks |access-date=22 February 2022 |date=24 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="UNIrev"/> The album's music is a blend of [[Indian folk music]] and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]], while the lyrics are sung in the English, Hindi and Punjabi languages.<ref name="MSaaj"/>

The album entered the ''Billboard'' charts, making Bloodywood the first Indian metal band to achieve such an accomplishment.<ref name="RSIndia">{{cite magazine |last1=Tagat |first1=Anurag |title=Bloodywood Make Indian Metal History with Debut Album 'Rakshak' |url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/bloodywood-rakshak-album-billboard-charts/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] India |access-date=1 April 2022 |date=4 March 2022}}</ref> The album has been successful on [[Bandcamp]] as well, where it topped the album sales of the platform upon release, ranked (as of early March 2022) as the 22nd all-time best-selling new release and as 3rd best-selling metal release.<ref name="RSIndia"/>

== Background ==
Since its inception in 2016, the band has gained attention on the internet with their Indian folk metal covers of pop and Indian songs.<ref name="MUinter"/><ref name="Kinter"/> They would go on to release a cover album titled ''Anti-Pop Vol. 1'' with songs by [[Backstreet Boys]], [[50 Cent]], [[Ariana Grande]], [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] and [[Linkin Park]].<ref name="Kinter"/> Rapper Raoul, who was initially a guest, eventually became part of the band.<ref name="TMTrev"/>

For their debut album, however, they opted to use only original material, re-recording some earlier songs that had been released in the past.<ref name="MUinter"/> The band claims to have been approached by multiple labels, but decided to stay independent for this album.<ref name="BWBKlabel">{{cite web |title=BLOODYWOOD On Upcoming Debut Release - "While We Did Have Interest From Multiple Labels, We Decided To Stay Independent" |url=https://bravewords.com/news/bloodywood-on-upcoming-debut-release-while-we-did-have-interest-from-multiple-labels-we-decided-to-stay-independent |website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=25 November 2021}}</ref>

== Themes ==
When asked about the album's meaning, vocalist/rapper Raoul said that it "is about a joint effort to protect people and the planet as a whole from all the challenges we’re facing. We hope to do this by eliminating the challenges altogether, because the best defence is a great offence. You'll hear messages about divisive politics, corruption, toxic news, sexual assault and bullying, as well as personal ones about battling depression and pushing your limits".<ref name="MUinter"/>

The title, which translates as "protector", conveys the sense that "you are your own saviour, you have the strength within you to meet challenges".<ref name="Kinter"/> The artwork features a boy and an elephant behind him; the animal represents "the strength within this fragile creature".<ref name="Kinter"/>

== Songs ==
''Rakshak'' features both songs which were written for the album, as well as earlier original compositions by the band which were formerly released as independent singles for various causes. Kerr has stated that previous songs such as the popular [[Ari Ari (Indian Street Metal)]] were left off of the album due to not being entirely original compositions by the band.<ref name="MUinter"/>

=== Re-recordings of original songs (2018-2020) ===
"Jee Veerey" was initially released in July 2018, in response to a widely criticised infographic distributed by the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]] in June regarding depression.<ref name="dumbgovernment">{{cite web | url=https://fee.org/articles/indian-band-fights-depression-with-metal-after-government-proves-incompetent/ | title=Indian Band Fights Depression with Metal after Government Proves Incompetent | Tyler Brandt | date=24 August 2018 }}</ref> The band distributed 60 free private therapy sessions through a partnership with a non-governmental organisation.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/watch-indian-metal-viral-stars-bloodywoods-uplifting-new-video-jee-veerey | title=Watch Indian Metal Viral Stars Bloodywood's Uplifting New Video "Jee Veerey" | date=18 July 2018 }}</ref> Several fans of the band paid for further sessions for others as a result.<ref name="dumbgovernment"/>

"Endurant" is an anti-[[bullying]] song which encourages listeners to "endure and come out stronger rather than retaliate or fight back with force".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-indian-metal-viral-stars-bloodywood-take-bullies-new-song-endurant | title=Hear Indian Metal Viral Stars Bloodywood Take on Bullies with New Song "Endurant" | date=16 January 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.therockpit.net/2019/indian-folk-metal-band-bloodywood-releases-video-for-endurant/ | title=Indian folk metal band Bloodywood releases video for "Endurant" | date=17 January 2019 }}</ref> Released in January 2019, the music video for the song focuses on the differing adult life experiences of a bully and his victim.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/watch-bloodywood-rally-bullying-endurant/ | title=Watch Bloodywood Rally Against Bullying on 'Endurant' | date=17 January 2019 }}</ref>

"Machi Bhasad", released in April 2019, was originally composed for the [[Development hell|currently unreleased]] game [[Beyond Good and Evil 2]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-indian-folk-metal-act-bloodywoods-new-machi-bhasad-expect-riot-video | title=See Indian Folk-Metal Act Bloodywood's New "Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)" Video | date=25 April 2019 }}</ref> but was ultimately rejected. Intended as a call to action to fight injustice, the song was released just as the band revealed 2019 European tour dates.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://unsungmelody.com/metal/bloodywood-releases-official-music-video-for-machi-bhasad-expect-a-riot-raj-against-the-machine-tour-dates-announced/ | title=Bloodywood Releases Official Music Video for "Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)"; "Raj Against the Machine Tour" Dates Announced | date=24 April 2019 }}</ref>

"Yaad", released in early 2020, focuses on moving on from the death of a loved one.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/see-indian-metal-act-bloodywood-celebrate-love-and-loss-dog-themed-yaad-video | title=See Indian Metal Act Bloodywood Celebrate Love and Loss in Dog-Themed "Yaad" Video | date=27 March 2020 }}</ref> The band purchased an ambulance for use by a local animal shelter with the release of the song.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://metalinjection.net/new-music/bloodywood-donates-ambulance-to-animal-rescue-unleash-new-song-yaad-that-gives-us-all-the-feels | title=BLOODYWOOD Donates Ambulance to Animal Rescue, Unleash New Song "Yaad" That Gives Us All the Feels | date=27 March 2020 }}</ref>

=== Songs written for ''Rakshak'' (2021-2022) ===
The first single written for the album, "Gaddaar", was released on 9 November 2021 and features political commentary, exploring "how politicians rely on dishing out hate in order to gain votes and raise their political standing, and how one can rebel to break the cycle" while advocating for the [[separation of church and state]].<ref name="MHgaddaar">{{cite web |last1=Scarlett |first1=Elizabeth |title=Bloodywood's new single Gaddaar is the heavy AF political rager the world needs to hear |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/bloodywoods-new-single-gaddaar-is-the-heavy-af-political-rager-the-world-needs-to-hear |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=22 February 2022 |date=9 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="BWBKg">{{cite web |title=India's BLOODYWOOD Release New Single / Video "Gadaar"; Full Length Debut Due In February 2022 |url=https://bravewords.com/news/india-s-bloodywood-release-new-single-video-gadaar-full-length-debut-due-in-february-2022 |website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |access-date=22 February 2022 |date=10 November 2021}}</ref>

The second single and video, "Aaj", came out on 24 January 2022. The video was shot in [[Munnar]], [[Kerala]], and the band faced a handful of difficulties while doing it, including bad weather, denial of permission for shooting, [[leech]]es and accidents with drones.<ref name="MSaaj"/><ref name="MHaaj">{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Rich |title=Bloodywood's new single Gaddaar is the heavy AF political rager the world needs to hear |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/indian-metallers-bloodywoods-epic-aaj-video-will-give-you-travel-envy |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=21 January 2022 }}</ref><ref name="BWBKaaj">{{cite web |title=India's BLOODYWOOD Release New Single / Video "Aaj" |url=https://bravewords.com/news/india-s-bloodywood-release-new-single-video-aaj |website=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=22 January 2022}}</ref>

The final single released from the album, "Dana-Dan", harshly views [[rape culture]] and [[patriarchy]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ticketfairy.com/word/2022/02/22/tf-daily-drop-dana-dan-by-bloodywood/ | title=TF Daily Drop: Dana Dan by Bloodywood | date=22 February 2022 }}</ref> The band states:<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.insaneblog.net/2022/02/bloodywood-release-dana-dan-their.html | title=BLOODYWOOD - Release "Dana Dan" Their Heaviest Song Yet; Debut Album "Rakshak" Out Today | date=18 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.grimmgent.com/bloodywood-release-with-the-single-dana-dan-their-heaviest-song-yet/ | title=BLOODYWOOD release with the single "Dana Dan" their heaviest song yet • GRIMM Gent | date=19 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://bravewords.com/news/india-s-bloodywood-release-new-single-video-dana-dan | title=India's BLOODYWOOD Release New Single / Video "Dana Dan" }}</ref>{{blockquote|"Dana Dan" is a graphic commentary on sexual assault and the need to eliminate it. It begins with the reflexive, almost homicidal rage we feel when we hear about these crimes, before moving on to a more level headed call to arms. It culminates in a gentle appeal for all of us to reflect on the role we play in creating a world where atrocities of this nature are committed and to work towards eliminating it altogether.}}

“Dana-Dan” was also featured in [[Dev Patel]]’s film [[Monkey Man]].

== Reception ==
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = Angry Metal Guy
| rev1score = 3.5/5<ref name="AMGrev"/>
| rev2 = [[Blabbermouth.net]]
| rev2score = 7.5/10<ref name="Blabberrev"/>
| rev3 = ''[[Kerrang!]]''
| rev3score = 4/5<ref name="Krev"/>
| rev4 = ''[[Metal Hammer]]''
| rev4score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="MHrev"/>
| rev5 = [[United News of India]]
| rev5score = 8.5/10<ref name="UNIrev"/>
}}
Since its release, ''Rakshak'' received critical acclaim, being praised for its lyrics, performances and musicianship. The Moshville Times's editor-in-chief Iain "Mosh" Purdie called the album "a superb release especially for those new to the band". He said the band could have made more new music, but that the new and old songs are enough for a live show setlist.<ref name="TMTrev">{{cite web |last1=Purdie |first1=Iain |title=Review: Bloodywood – Rakshak |url=https://www.moshville.co.uk/reviews/album-review/2022/02/review-bloodywood-rakshak/ |website=The Moshville Times |access-date=22 February 2022 |date=4 February 2022}}</ref>

On [[United News of India]], Anand Venkitachalam praised the band's "very unique combination of metal which is a mix of heavy almost [[Korn]] like riffs combined with hip hop, electronic music and of course Indian folk music such as bhangra, alternating between rap verses of Raoul Kerr and the growled and clean vocals of Jayanth Bhadula". He was also happy with Raoul Kerr's rapping, which he thought blended well with the band's metal sound. He ultimately said the album "has it all from heaviness to infectious grooves to powerful melodies giving the Indian folk metal group a debut they are can[sic] be very proud of."<ref name="UNIrev">{{cite web |last1=Venkitachalam |first1=Anand |title=Bloodywood's 'Rakshak' debut is killer (UNI Review 8.5/10) |url=https://www.uniindia.com/story/Bloodywoods-Rakshak-debut-is-killer-UNI-Review-8.510 |website=[[United News of India]] |access-date=22 February 2022 |location=[[New Delhi]] |date=22 February 2022}}</ref>

''[[Kerrang!]]''{{'}}s Paul Travers praised the band's more "serious" tone (compared with their covers) and said they "have a sound like no one else in the world right now. Rakshak is equal parts joyous, furious and incendiary and its creators look set to be the first Indian metal band to truly explode on a global scale."<ref name="Krev">{{cite web |last1=Travers |first1=Paul |title=Album review: Bloodywood – Rakshak |url=https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-bloodywood-rakshak-india-metal |website=[[Kerrang!]] |publisher=Wasted Talent Ltd |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=18 February 2022}}</ref>

Writing on [[Blabbermouth.net]], Dom Lawson commented that "even with the novelty value of their early works erased, Bloodywood still make a wholly unique racket, with the gently otherworldly allure of those samples providing a consistent red line through a surprisingly diverse set of songs." On the other hand, he thought the group sounded "less convincing" when performing nu metal music, describing "Zanjeero Se" as "fairly thin gruel" compared to the "rambunctious clangor of "Machi Bhasad" and "Endurant"." He ultimately said that "the essence of Bloodywood's cheerfully revolutionary approach to modern metal is on full display and at full pelt with those infectious Bollywood embellishments proudly to the fore. In those moments, if not all of "Rakshak", Bloodywood sound like one of the greatest ideas ever."<ref name="Blabberrev">{{cite web |last1=Lawson |first1=Dom |title=BLOODYWOOD - "Rakshak" |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/rakshak/ |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=17 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref>

TheKenWord, on Angry Metal Guy, said that the band "succeeds in no small part because it expresses complex human experiences through effortlessly accessible writing." He criticized the mixing and mastering of some tracks - namely "Jee Veerey" and "Endurant" - for not properly blending the folk instruments with the metal sound. He also said the rapping vocals sometimes sound "detached" on softer songs.<ref name="AMGrev">{{cite web |last1=TheKenWord |title=Bloodywood – Rakshak Review |url=https://www.angrymetalguy.com/bloodywood-rakshak-review/ |website=Angry Metal Guy |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=16 February 2022}}</ref>

''[[Metal Hammer]]''{{'}}s Elliot Leaver praised the band's "impressive musical range whilst inherently staying true to their native roots" and ultimately reflected that "if this is what Bloodywood can achieve on their own, imagine where they could go with a label behind them. Surely that's only a matter of time."<ref name="MHrev">{{cite web |last1=Leaver |first1=Elliot |title=Bloodywood's Rakshak proves they are more than just an internet sensation |url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/bloodywoods-rakshak-proves-they-are-more-than-just-an-internet-sensation |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=23 February 2022 |date=18 February 2022}}</ref> The magazine also ranked the album as the 14th most anticipated metal album of 2022.<ref name="MH5022">{{cite web |last1= Hobson |first1=Rich |title=New metal albums 2022: The 50 most anticipated releases this year |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-50-most-anticipated-metal-albums-of-2022/2 |website=[[Metal Hammer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=9 September 2023 |date=21 September 2022}}</ref>

===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
! Publication
! List
! Rank
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Metal Hammer]]''
| The Best Metal Albums Of 2022 So Far
| {{center|–<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/best-metal-albums-of-2022-so-far|title=The Best Metal Albums Of 2022 So Far|website=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=7 May 2022|access-date=9 May 2022}}</ref>}}
|}

== Track listing ==
{{Track listing
| headline = ''Rakshak'' track listing
| all_writing = Karan Katiyar
| title1 = Gaddaar
| note1 = Traitor
| length1 = 4:44
| title2 = Aaj
| note2 = Today
| length2 = 5:00
| title3 = Zanjeero Se
| note3 = These Chains
| length3 = 4:11
| title4 = Machi Bhasad (Album Version)
| note4 = Expect a Riot
| length4 = 4:00
| title5 = Dana-Dan
| note5 = Give a Beatdown
| length5 = 4:54
| title6 = Jee Veerey (Album Version)
| note6 = Live, Brave One<ref name="Krev"/>
| length6 = 4:38
| title7 = Endurant (Album Version)
| length7 = 4:46
| title8 = Yaad (Album Version)
| note8 = In Memory
| length8 = 5:40
| title9 = BSDK.exe
| length9 = 4:55
| title10 = Chakh Le
| note10 = Rise Up
| length10 = 4:25

| total_length = {{Duration|m=47|s=13}}
}}

== Personnel ==
'''Bloodywood'''
* Jayant Bhadula – vocals
* Raoul Kerr – rap vocals
* Karan Katiyar – guitars, flutes, arrangements, production

==Charts==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Chart performance for ''Rakshak''
! scope="col"| Chart (2022)
! scope="col"| Peak position
|-
{{album chart|UKIndependent|26|date=20220225|rowheader=true|access-date=25 February 2022}}
|-
{{album chart|UKRock|8|date=20220225|rowheader=true|access-date=25 February 2022}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardDigital|5|artist=Bloodywood|rowheader=true|access-date=1 April 2022|note={{failed verification|date=May 2022}}}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardAlbumSales|93|artist=Bloodywood|rowheader=true|access-date=1 April 2022|note={{failed verification|date=May 2022}}}}
|-
! scope="row"| US World Albums (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/world-albums/2022-05-28/|title=World Albums: Week of May 28, 2022|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=24 May 2022}}</ref>
| 10
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2022 debut albums]]
[[Category:Bloodywood albums]]

Rakshak (album) - Revision history

CatharineJorgens: started a info v1!