Rudra  

Rudra is arguably Singapore's most well-known metal band, with a few albums under their belts and a healthy following at home, with their popularity now beginning to spread abroad. They describe themselves as "Vedic metal", the term Vedic coming from Hindu philosophy, and indeed they attempt to incorporate Eastern melodies and influences into their music. To these ears, the influence is overstated (though this is based on listening to 2003's Kurukshetra -- apparently the followup, Brahmavidya, extends these influences), as the style here is a sort of midpaced thrash/death sound, with the occasional guitar riff that might remind one of Melechesh at times, at least a little bit. The vocals are more in the black metal vein, somewhat understated but effective. Kurukshetra is a nice little album, not the most brutal of death metal albums but with a fairly original style that is worthy of recommendation.

Current Members Kathir bass/vocals Selvam guitars (Kaliyuga) Shiva drums (Kaliyuga)

Former Members/Guests Alvin guitars Bala guitars (Kaliyuga) Kannan guitars Devan guitars

Discography

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Rudra 
1998 Candlelight

Obeisance Bliss Divine Black Mahamaya The Ancient One Atman Wareligion For the Dying Sin No War Ananda

Kathir Alvin Bala Shiva

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The Aryan Crusade 
2001 Trishul

Aryaputra Hymns to Thee Anantarupa Malevolent Creed Burnt at the Stakes Rudrapatni Amen Homage to the Seers Manifesto of the Demented Atmavichara Sad But True My Soul is Marching On I

Kathir Selvam Kannan Shiva

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Kurukshetra 
2003 Trishul

Justified Aggression Apostasy God Of Delusion Absolute One Negate Mithya In The Vision Of The Blind Temple Of Nothingness Highlands Of Tranquility Ye Immortal One Asura Mardhini

Kathir Selvam Kannan Shiva

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Brahmavidya: Primordial I 
2005 Demonzend

Twilight of Duality Ananya Chaitanya The Pathless Path to the Knowable Unknown There the Sun Never Shines Veil of Maya Ageless Consciousness, I Am Meditations on the Mahavakya Aham Brahmasmi Shivoham In the Fourth Quarter: Turiya

Kathir Selvam Kannan Shiva

Reviews:   Lords Of Metal  Metal Observer 

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Brahmavidya: Transcendental I 
2009

Bhagavatpada Namaskara Ravens of Paradise Amrtasyaputra Hymns from the Blazing Chariot Meditations at Dawn Advaitamrta Natural Born Ignorance Immortality Roars Reversing the Currents Venerable Opposites Avidya Nivrtti Not the Seen but the Seer Adiguru Namastubhyam Majestic Ashtavakra

Reviews:   Lords Of Metal 

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Brahmavidya: Immortal I 
2011 Sonic Blast

Now, Therefore…… Illusory Enlightenment Ravenous Theories of Deception Vultures of Slavery Incredulous Void Sinister Devotion Harrowing Carrions of Syllogism Embryonic Theologies Supposed Sages of Sensuality Hymns of the Immortal Self Advaita Samrajya

Reviews:   Metal Observer