In early 1996, the band decided to call it quits abandoning a new direction it was already taking. After the break-up, the members of RUDHRA got involved in several other bands. Towards the end of 1996, Kathi decided to resurrect RUDHRA with a slight alteration to its name; thus RUDRA (the most common English transliteration for the Sanskrit word). Soon, Kathi teamed up with Shiva and continued where the band left off. A new guitarist, Alvin, was recruited to fill the guitars department. Burhan (Vocalist, Guitarist of URBAN KARMA) helped the band in covering the second guitar duties till Bala returned to Rudra-fold prior to the recording of their debut album.

RUDRA’s self-titled debut has received attention from all parts of the globe. It has already sold 5000 units of its debut album, thus making it one of the best selling South-East Asian Death/Black Metal bands.

RUDRA has replaced their two guitarists with Panneer (ex-member) and Kannan.

Rudra is the name of an ancient Indian God of Destruction. The band is specifically named after this God to symbolize the aggressive nature of its music.

Rudra's music can be characterized as the bridge between the east and the west. Their unique way of incorporating Indian Classical music into Death/Black Metal has made them one the pioneers in experimenting ethno-classical melodies with Metal. This aspect has won them much interest from the rest of the world. Rudra also brings in a third element to their music by including Sanskrit chants and mantras to evoke a mystical feel to their music. Although it is very difficult to label their music, the band prefers to call it Vedic Metal. The Vedic Philosophy basically inspires the lyrical outpourings of Rudra.

Kathi - Bass, Vocals

Kannan - Guitars

Shiva - Drums

Panneer - Guitars

Rudra (then known as RUDHRA) contributed the track 'Armageddon' to this compilation.

Rudra (then known as RUDHRA) contributed 3 tracks to this Singaporean Death Metal Compilation. The tracks were 'Malediction', 'Murder Suicide' & 'Hiding Behind Shadows'. This release is now unavailable.

Rudra contributed the track 'Dwelling in the Unknown' to this compilation.

This 4-track demo received attention in many countries and made Rudra one of the frontrunners in the Singapore Death Metal scene. This demo was recorded on an 8-track recording machine with its raw edges capturing the old-school sound. The tracks were 'Malediction', 'Dwelling in the Unknown', 'Fake Elimination' & 'Necrophilia'.

Rudra's debut, which brought worldwide attention and respect for the band's musical creativity.

A Candlelight Productions music sampler that features Rudra's 'Atman' & 'No War'.

Rudra has been active in the regional live circuit right from its inception till 1996.

Over 50 international magazines have interviewed & reviewed Rudra and its offerings. Billboard magazine and Reuter's news agency have featured Rudra in their music reports. Their songs have been played in many radio stations in many countries. To quote a review:

"Lets face it music from the Asian continents has never been noted for being highly creative, whether it be soul, dance,etc,etc, it always seems to be living in the past, more content to allow us Europeans to set the pace or style and thats even true to some extent when it comes to metal. But thats all about to change if this debut album 'The Dawn Of Vedic Metal' by Rudra is anything to go by. "- Stormbringer Webzine(UK).

Rudra is currently working on their new release to be called ‘The Aryan Crusade’ featuring 13 tracks and unleashing the heaviest album to be out in April/June 2001. Watch out for it!

Band Contact

RUDRA

Blk 24 Marsiling Drive - #08-185 - Singapore 730024

Singapore