So I read about the band whilst my thesis research – the Indian Metal scene. I heard a sample song and moved on, that my friend is a mistake you don’t want to make. Prepare yourself for a ride into one of the greatest Hindu epics which was written in 32 anustubhs, this version is something that you’ve never heard before. Rudra is – Vedic Metal dished deep into Indian mythology and fried just about enough to alleviate your mind like nothing you have ever gone high on before, I can envision Valmiki headbanging if he’d be listening to this album whilst he was writing. 🙂

The guitar riffs with the dark melody of the flute creates a looming concoction of obscurity, they will teleport you to the banks of Tamasa, here my friend you will witness ‘Death‘ and Kathir’s vocals seems as if it’s the asura King himself reciting the story.

The leisurely opening of the song ‘Heartbreak‘ followed by the group vocals instantly creates an uncanny atmosphere. And with lines such as; ‘she fell for the sweet poison and like a hawk awaited her prey’ this song is a poignant uproar of bias feelings and emotions.

Spinning the sinister web of lies which can be constructed only by a ravenous & gluttonous mind; the song unveils the plot, the plan and whispers the execution of her ‘Abduction‘. As if the guitars and drums were not enough, the Flute and Tabla are the villainous character which adds zest to this anonymity.

What is a prayer? Is it a conversation with the universe?, A plea of request? Whatever it is, it gave lady Sita hope. ‘Resolve‘ starts languidly with the group vocals which unfolds the milieu and the mechanism of what ONE can do to make your prayers come true.

The chants and the high-speed drumming in this song gives life to a unnatural tone, here ‘Manipulation‘ is in the air and it screams of the asura King’s conjuring on lady Sita.

‘Assault‘ opens with a shadowy tune and begins to spews out a rather rowdy illusion of the skirmish between the asura King Ravana and Lord Ram. Lying back with my eyes closed my mind creates a delirium; the song packs a punch like the great battle itself.

Gompa, have you ever visited one? Why I ask you wonder? 🙂 well ‘Untitled‘ makes me feel that I’m seated inside one with my head bald dressed as a monk and in the center of the hall is Rudra performing.

Rudra – yarning anecdote of myths, legends and mythology since 1992, from the pages of a primeval India. Their tunes, rhythms, riffs, drumming and in case of this album the use of the Gamelan, Flute & Tabla blends into a perfect concoction which if you sniff or gulp too much will teleport you into the realm which they have created.

Caution! those who decide to listen and falter will contemplate;
was it me or was it prakrti, who knows? death bled a pithy shlok on me.
It cannot get more Vedic than RUDRA!