Portland has become something of a musical abyss these days. When the BABYMETAL tour was announced, with support from Bloodywood and Jinjer, it felt like a gift to international metal fans. Unfortunately, the City of Roses didn’t make the cut. The closest stop? Seattle, a good three-hour drive without traffic. I tried to get credentialed for the northern trek but never received official approval.
Fortunately, Bloodywood carved out an off-date for Portland — and we needed it.
The Hawthorne Theatre is infamous for a few things, not least of which is how quickly it turns into a sauna in the summer. Portland has been baking under a brutal stretch of heat and humidity, but that didn’t stop fans from packing out this sold-out show. Local openers Wintersea kicked things off, delivering a sharp blend of progressive, black, and death metal all fronted by the ferocious Kayla Dixon. With so many recent tours stacked with bigger-name support, giving a local band the spotlight was a refreshing move.
I last caught Bloodywood on their previous Portland run, and they remain one of the most vital international acts to experience live. Their fusion of nu metal, rap, metalcore, and folk elements creates a sound that’s not just unique — it’s instantly memorable. More importantly, Bloodywood isn’t content with just heavy riffs and big hooks. Their lyrics carry real weight, speaking to personal empowerment, societal struggle, and cultural pride.
Their setlist included:
- Dana Dan
- Nu Delhi
- Aaj
- Tadka
- Jee Veerey
- Bekhauf
- Machi Bhasad (Expect a Riot)
- Hall Boi
- Gaddaar
When will Bloodywood return to the U.S. — and more importantly, Portland? Not soon enough.
The live energy is electric, the bond with the audience is genuine, and the fact that this band built their momentum independently before signing with a label only adds to their story. Their presence is more than just sound it’s a call to awaken. To chant louder, to move with purpose, to believe in something beyond what we’re handed.
Because as Bloodywood shows us, our dreams are not an escape.
They are the blueprint of what must come next.