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{{Short description|Rock band from Singapore}}
{{refimprove|date=November 2008}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}

{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Rudra
| name = Rudra
| image = Logo der Band Rudra.jpg
| image = Logo der Band Rudra.jpg
| caption = Rudra Logo
| caption = Rudra Logo
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
⚫
| genre = [[Vedic metal]], [[avant-garde metal]], [[blackened death metal]], [[thrash metal]], [[folk metal]]
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Singapore]]
⚫
| genre = [[Vedic metal]], [[avant-garde metal]], [[blackened death metal]], [[thrash metal]], [[folk metal]]
| origin = [[Singapore]]
| years_active = 1992−present
| label = Transcending Obscurity Asia, Awakening Records
| years_active = 1992−present
| label = Transcending Obscurity Asia
| website = {{URL|www.rudra.sg}}
⚫
| current_members = Kathir - Vocals, Bass <br> Shiva - Drums <br> Devan - Guitars <br> Vinod - Guitars
| associated_acts =
⚫
| past_members = Alvin Chua <br> Bala <br> Kannan <br> Selvam <br> Simon <br> Subash
| website = [http://www.rudra.sg/ www.rudra.sg]
⚫
| current_members = Kathir - Vocals, Bass <br> Shiva - Drums <br> Devan - Guitars <br> Vinod - Guitars
⚫
| past_members = Alvin Chua <br> Bala <br> Kannan <br> Selvam <br> Simon <br> Subash
}}
}}


'''Rudra''' is a [[Indian rock#Vedic Metal|Vedic metal]] band from [[Singapore]] formed in 1992. Rudra play a uniquely composed [[avant garde]] blend of styles, including, among others, [[black metal]]-influenced [[death metal]] with interpolations and extended passages of traditional [[Carnatic music]]. The lyrical content is derived from Sanskrit [[Vedas|Vedic]] literature and philosophy with, ancient mantras ([[shloka]]s) incorporated into the song structures.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Raguraman |first=Anjali |date=21 August 2019 |title=From rising regional rappers to Vedic metal veterans: 5 acts to check out at Baybeats |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/from-rising-regional-rappers-to-vedic-metal-veterans-5-acts-to-check-out-at |access-date=21 November 2024 |work=[[The Straits Times]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Rudra - Esplanade |url=https://www.esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2022/baybeats/line-up/rudra |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=www.esplanade.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title="We have just evolved the way we want to evolve": An interview with Rudra |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/rudra-baybeats-interview-2019 |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=&quot;We have just evolved the way we want to evolve&quot;: An interview with Rudra {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}}</ref>
'''Rudra''' is a [[Singaporean]] band which was formed in 1992. Rudra play a uniquely composed [[avant garde]] blend of styles, including, among others, [[black metal]]-influenced [[death metal]] with interpolations and extended passages of traditional [[Carnatic music]].
The lyrical content is derived from Sanskrit [[Vedas|Vedic]] literature and philosophy with, ancient mantras ([[shloka]]s) incorporated into the song structures. The band describes the style as [[Vedic metal]].


==History==
==History==
Rudra was formed in mid-1992 as a trio, then made up of Kathir (bass, vocals), Shiva(drums) and Bala (guitar). It was then known as Rudhra. A fourth member, Selvam, was recruited to supplement Bala on guitar. With this line-up they released a 4-track demo, ''The Past'', in 1994. Prior to this release, Rudhra was also featured in a few underground death metal compilation albums with Singaporean underground metal bands.
Rudra was formed in mid-1992 as a trio, then made up of Kathir (bass and vocals), Shiva (drums) and Bala (guitar). It was then known as Rudhra. A fourth member, Selvam, was recruited to supplement Bala on guitar. With this line-up they released a 4-track demo, ''The Past'', in 1994. Prior to this release, Rudhra had been featured in a few underground death metal compilation albums with Singaporean underground metal bands.


In early 1996, the band had a hiatus and the members were involved in separate bands. Towards the end of 1996, Kathir decided to resurrect Rudhra with a slight alteration to its name; thus Rudra (the most common English transliteration for the [[Sanskrit]] word) was born. Kathir teamed up with Shiva and started work in the studio, soon to be joined by Bala and Alvin Chua to complete the line up before recording the self-titled debut album in late 1997, which was released in June 1998. The band played a couple of gigs and also starting work on new material. The band replaced its two guitarists with Selvam (ex-member) and Kannan in January 2000.
In early 1996, the band had a hiatus and the members were involved in separate bands. Towards the end of 1996, Kathir decided to resurrect Rudhra with a slight alteration to its name; thus Rudra (the most common English transliteration for the [[Sanskrit]] word) was born. Kathir teamed up with Shiva and started work in the studio, soon to be joined by Bala and Alvin Chua to complete the line up before recording the self-titled debut album in late 1997, which was released in June 1998. The band played a couple of gigs and also starting work on new material. The band replaced its two guitarists with Selvam (ex-member) and Kannan in January 2000.


With that line-up Rudra released its second album, ''[[The Aryan Crusade]]'', in September 2001. In January 2002, ''Big O'' magazine named this album as one of the top 40 albums of the year. In July 2003, Rudra released a third album Kurukshetra,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Rudra/Kurukshetra/23001/| title=Kurukshetra| magazine=Encyclopaedia Metallum| date=February 7, 2008| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref> named after the battlefield featured in the Indian epic the [[Mahabharata]], [[Kurukshetra]].
With that line-up Rudra released its second album, ''The Aryan Crusade'', in September 2001. In January 2002, ''Big O'' magazine named this album as one of the top 40 albums of the year. In July 2003, Rudra released a third album ''Kurukshetra'',<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Rudra/Kurukshetra/23001/| title=Kurukshetra| magazine=Encyclopaedia Metallum| date=February 7, 2008| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref> named after the battlefield featured in the Indian epic the [[Mahabharata]], [[Kurukshetra]].


After touring in Singapore, India, Indonesia and Thailand, Rudra released ''[[Brahmavidya: Primordial I]]'', in April 2005. ''Brahmavidya: Primordial I'' represents a slight shift in the band's sound as it exhibits more black metal influences than the previous albums and presents a denser recording that showcases the band's progressive move into more dynamic leads, complex bass-lines, and tighter, faster drumming with a bigger emphasis on [[blast beats]]. With this release, Rudra toured the USA in January 2007.
After touring in Singapore, India, Indonesia and Thailand, Rudra released ''Brahmavidya: Primordial I'', in April 2005. ''Brahmavidya: Primordial I'' represented a slight shift in the band's sound as it exhibits more black metal influences than their previous albums and presents a denser recording that showcases the band's progressive move into more dynamic leads, complex bass-lines, and tighter, faster drumming with a bigger emphasis on [[Blast beat|blast beats]]. With this release, Rudra toured the United States in January 2007.


In 2008, Kannan was replaced by Devan. In 2009, Rudra released ''Brahmavidya: Transcendental I'' as the second chapter in the Brahmavidya trilogy. They have collaborated with Singapore director [[Jacen Tan]] on the music video for Hymns from the Blazing Chariot. In 2009, the band went through another line up change with Vinod replacing longtime member Selvam.
In 2008, Kannan was replaced by Devan. In 2009, Rudra released ''Brahmavidya: Transcendental I'' as the second chapter in the Brahmavidya trilogy. They have collaborated with Singapore director [[Jacen Tan]] on the music video for Hymns from the Blazing Chariot. In 2009, the band went through another line up change with Vinod replacing longtime member Selvam.


In August 2010, Rudra headlined the first day of [[Baybeats]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=58852| title=Rudra To Headline Baybeats Festival 2010| magazine=Metalunderground| date=August 13, 2010| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref> an annual 3-day alternative music festival, held in Singapore. This was probably one of the rarest moments in history where an Extreme Metal band headlines a non-metal music festival. The band has also invited the interest of musicologists and research papers have been published about both Vedic Metal and the band.
In August 2010, Rudra headlined the first day of [[Baybeats]],<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=58852| title=Rudra To Headline Baybeats Festival 2010| magazine=Metalunderground| date=August 13, 2010| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref> an annual 3-day alternative music festival, held in Singapore. This was a rare occurrence: an extreme metal band headlining a non-metal music festival. They headlined the festival again in 2012 and 2019.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-24 |title=BREAKING: Baybeats 2019 announces Phase 1 line-up – Rudra, Airliftz, Reality Club and more |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/baybeats-2019-announces-phase-1-line-up-rudra-airliftz-reality-club-and-more |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=BREAKING: Baybeats 2019 announces Phase 1 line-up – Rudra, Airliftz, Reality Club and more {{!}} Bandwagon {{!}} Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. |language=en}}</ref> The band has also invited the interest of musicologists and research papers have been published about both Vedic metal and the band.{{Which|date=November 2024}}

⚫
In November 2011, Rudra announced that they will be closing the 2011 Brahmavidya Tour by headlining the ''[[Strawberry Fields (Indian festival)|Strawberry Fields]] Rock Fest''<ref>{{cite web| url=http://headbangers.in/blog/news/latest-news/rudra-to-headline-strawberry-fields/| title=Rudra to headline Strawberry Fields| magazine=Headbangers India| date=November 16, 2011| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref> in [[Bangalore]], India. It had been more than 7 years since the band last played Bangalore.


⚫
In July 2011, Devan left the band to focus on his personal life. Subash joined the band officially in January 2012 to replace Devan. In 2013, Simon joined the band to replace Subash.
⚫
In November 2011, Rudra announced that they will be closing the 2011 Brahmavidya Tour by headlining the ''[[Strawberry Fields (Indian festival)|Strawberry Fields]] Rock Fest''<ref>{{cite web| url=http://headbangers.in/blog/news/latest-news/rudra-to-headline-strawberry-fields/| title=Rudra to headline Strawberry Fields| magazine=Headbangers India| date=November 16, 2011| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref> @ Bangalore, India. It has been more than 7 years since the band last played Bangalore.


In August 2021, Simon had to leave the band due to work commitments. Devan rejoined the band subsequently. Their 10th album (and 9th of all original material) ''Eight Mahavidyas'' was released on 22 December 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roooar.com/music_uk/news-releases-rudra-eight-mahavidyas-cd-in-december-14522.html |title=RUDRA will release a new album 'Eight Mahavidyas' (CD) in December |website=Roooar Violent Zone |access-date=December 22, 2022 |date=December 15, 2022}}</ref>
⚫
In July 2011, Devan left the band to focus on his personal life. Subash joined the band officially in January 2012 to replace Devan.


In 2023 a book ''Rudra 30 Years of Vedic Metal'' was released, describing the biography of the band.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kannan K |title=Rudra 30 Years of Vedic Metal |date=11 June 2023 |publisher=Independently published |isbn=979-8399617022 }}</ref>
In 2013 Simon joined the band to replace Subash. Simon makes his debut in RTA.


The band announced that their 11th studio album, ''Antithesis'', will be released on 14 January 2025, via the Chinese metal record label Awakening Records.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Asia |first=Unite |date=2024-10-25 |title=Asian Metal Legends RUDRA Announce New Album 'Antithesis' [Singapore] |url=https://uniteasia.org/asian-metal-legends-rudra-announce-new-album-antithesis-singapore/ |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=Unite Asia |language=en-US}}</ref>
In August 2021, Simon had to leave the band due to work commitments.
Devan rejoined the band subsequently.


==Discography==
==Discography==
*''The Past'' (Demo, 1995)
*''The Past'' (Demo, 1995)
*''Rudra'' (1998)
*''Rudra'' (1998)
*''[[The Aryan Crusade]]'' (2001)
*''The Aryan Crusade'' (2001)
*''[[Kurukshetra (album)|Kurukshetra]]'' (2003)
*''Kurukshetra'' (2003)
*''[[Brahmavidya: Primordial I]]'' (2005)
*''Brahmavidya: Primordial I'' (2005)
*''[[Brahmavidya: Transcendental I]]'' (2009) (Trinity Recs - Asia, Vic Records - Europe)
*''Brahmavidya: Transcendental I'' (2009) (Trinity Recs - Asia, Vic Records - Europe)
*''[[Brahmavidya: Immortal I]]'' (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=64388 |title=Rudra Announces "Brahmavidya: Immortal I" Release Date}}</ref>
*''Brahmavidya: Immortal I'' (2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=64388 |title=Rudra Announces "Brahmavidya: Immortal I" Release Date}}</ref>
*''[[RTA (album)|RTA]]'' (2013)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metalindiamagazine.com/news/vedic-metal-pioneers-rudra-announce-new-album-rta| title=Vedic metal pioneers RUDRA announce new album ‘RTA’| magazine=Metalindia Magazine| date=September 28, 2013| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref>
*''RTA'' (2013)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metalindiamagazine.com/news/vedic-metal-pioneers-rudra-announce-new-album-rta| title=Vedic metal pioneers RUDRA announce new album 'RTA'| magazine=Metalindia Magazine| date=September 28, 2013| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref>
*''Kurukshetra (Remastered)'' (2015)
*''Kurukshetra (Remastered)'' (2015)
*''Enemy of Duality'' (2016)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=127380| title=Rudra Unveils "Enemy Of Duality" Album Details| magazine=Metalunderground| date=September 12, 2016| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref>
*''Enemy of Duality'' (2016)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=127380| title=Rudra Unveils "Enemy Of Duality" Album Details| magazine=Metalunderground| date=September 12, 2016| access-date=2017-05-19}}</ref>
*''The Blackisle Sessions'' (2018)
*''The Blackisle Sessions'' (2018)
*''Past Life Regression'' (2018)
*''Past Life Regression'' (2018)
*''Invoking the Gods'' (2019)
*''Invoking the Gods'' (2019)<ref name=":0" />
*''Eight Mahavidyas'' (2022)
*''Antithesis'' (expected in 2025)<ref name=":2" />


==References==
==References==
Line 62: Line 62:
==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.rudra.sg}}
*{{Official website|http://www.rudra.sg}}
*{{YouTube|handle=RudraVedicMetal}}
*[http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Rudra-Sept2004.htm Interview]
*[http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Rudra-Sept2004.htm Interview]


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[[Category:Death metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Death metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1992]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1992]]
[[Category:Indian diaspora in Singapore]]
[[Category:Desi musical groups]]

Latest revision as of 12:25, 4 December 2024

Rudra
Rudra Logo
Rudra Logo
Background information
OriginSingapore
GenresVedic metal, avant-garde metal, blackened death metal, thrash metal, folk metal
Years active1992−present
LabelsTranscending Obscurity Asia, Awakening Records
MembersKathir - Vocals, Bass
Shiva - Drums
Devan - Guitars
Vinod - Guitars
Past membersAlvin Chua
Bala
Kannan
Selvam
Simon
Subash
Websitewww.rudra.sg

Rudra is a Vedic metal band from Singapore formed in 1992. Rudra play a uniquely composed avant garde blend of styles, including, among others, black metal-influenced death metal with interpolations and extended passages of traditional Carnatic music. The lyrical content is derived from Sanskrit Vedic literature and philosophy with, ancient mantras (shlokas) incorporated into the song structures.[1][2][3]

History

[edit]

Rudra was formed in mid-1992 as a trio, then made up of Kathir (bass and vocals), Shiva (drums) and Bala (guitar). It was then known as Rudhra. A fourth member, Selvam, was recruited to supplement Bala on guitar. With this line-up they released a 4-track demo, The Past, in 1994. Prior to this release, Rudhra had been featured in a few underground death metal compilation albums with Singaporean underground metal bands.

In early 1996, the band had a hiatus and the members were involved in separate bands. Towards the end of 1996, Kathir decided to resurrect Rudhra with a slight alteration to its name; thus Rudra (the most common English transliteration for the Sanskrit word) was born. Kathir teamed up with Shiva and started work in the studio, soon to be joined by Bala and Alvin Chua to complete the line up before recording the self-titled debut album in late 1997, which was released in June 1998. The band played a couple of gigs and also starting work on new material. The band replaced its two guitarists with Selvam (ex-member) and Kannan in January 2000.

With that line-up Rudra released its second album, The Aryan Crusade, in September 2001. In January 2002, Big O magazine named this album as one of the top 40 albums of the year. In July 2003, Rudra released a third album Kurukshetra,[4] named after the battlefield featured in the Indian epic the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra.

After touring in Singapore, India, Indonesia and Thailand, Rudra released Brahmavidya: Primordial I, in April 2005. Brahmavidya: Primordial I represented a slight shift in the band's sound as it exhibits more black metal influences than their previous albums and presents a denser recording that showcases the band's progressive move into more dynamic leads, complex bass-lines, and tighter, faster drumming with a bigger emphasis on blast beats. With this release, Rudra toured the United States in January 2007.

In 2008, Kannan was replaced by Devan. In 2009, Rudra released Brahmavidya: Transcendental I as the second chapter in the Brahmavidya trilogy. They have collaborated with Singapore director Jacen Tan on the music video for Hymns from the Blazing Chariot. In 2009, the band went through another line up change with Vinod replacing longtime member Selvam.

In August 2010, Rudra headlined the first day of Baybeats,[5] an annual 3-day alternative music festival, held in Singapore. This was a rare occurrence: an extreme metal band headlining a non-metal music festival. They headlined the festival again in 2012 and 2019.[1][2][6] The band has also invited the interest of musicologists and research papers have been published about both Vedic metal and the band.[which?]

In November 2011, Rudra announced that they will be closing the 2011 Brahmavidya Tour by headlining the Strawberry Fields Rock Fest[7] in Bangalore, India. It had been more than 7 years since the band last played Bangalore.

In July 2011, Devan left the band to focus on his personal life. Subash joined the band officially in January 2012 to replace Devan. In 2013, Simon joined the band to replace Subash.

In August 2021, Simon had to leave the band due to work commitments. Devan rejoined the band subsequently. Their 10th album (and 9th of all original material) Eight Mahavidyas was released on 22 December 2022.[8]

In 2023 a book Rudra 30 Years of Vedic Metal was released, describing the biography of the band.[9]

The band announced that their 11th studio album, Antithesis, will be released on 14 January 2025, via the Chinese metal record label Awakening Records.[10]

Discography

[edit]
  • The Past (Demo, 1995)
  • Rudra (1998)
  • The Aryan Crusade (2001)
  • Kurukshetra (2003)
  • Brahmavidya: Primordial I (2005)
  • Brahmavidya: Transcendental I (2009) (Trinity Recs - Asia, Vic Records - Europe)
  • Brahmavidya: Immortal I (2011)[11]
  • RTA (2013)[12]
  • Kurukshetra (Remastered) (2015)
  • Enemy of Duality (2016)[13]
  • The Blackisle Sessions (2018)
  • Past Life Regression (2018)
  • Invoking the Gods (2019)[1]
  • Eight Mahavidyas (2022)
  • Antithesis (expected in 2025)[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Raguraman, Anjali (21 August 2019). "From rising regional rappers to Vedic metal veterans: 5 acts to check out at Baybeats". The Straits Times. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Rudra - Esplanade". www.esplanade.com. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  3. ^ ""We have just evolved the way we want to evolve": An interview with Rudra". "We have just evolved the way we want to evolve": An interview with Rudra | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Kurukshetra". Encyclopaedia Metallum. 7 February 2008. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  5. ^ "Rudra To Headline Baybeats Festival 2010". Metalunderground. 13 August 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  6. ^ "BREAKING: Baybeats 2019 announces Phase 1 line-up – Rudra, Airliftz, Reality Club and more". BREAKING: Baybeats 2019 announces Phase 1 line-up – Rudra, Airliftz, Reality Club and more | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. 24 June 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Rudra to headline Strawberry Fields". Headbangers India. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  8. ^ "RUDRA will release a new album 'Eight Mahavidyas' (CD) in December". Roooar Violent Zone. 15 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  9. ^ Kannan K (11 June 2023). Rudra 30 Years of Vedic Metal. Independently published. ISBN 979-8399617022.
  10. ^ a b Asia, Unite (25 October 2024). "Asian Metal Legends RUDRA Announce New Album 'Antithesis' [Singapore]". Unite Asia. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Rudra Announces "Brahmavidya: Immortal I" Release Date".
  12. ^ "Vedic metal pioneers RUDRA announce new album 'RTA'". Metalindia Magazine. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  13. ^ "Rudra Unveils "Enemy Of Duality" Album Details". Metalunderground. 12 September 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
[edit]
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