An Interview With Kathir Aryaputra Of RUDRA

Kathir Aryaputra – Vocals and Bass(RUDRA)

Hailing from the island country of Singapore, RUDRA is one of the top titans in the Asian metal scene. Formed way back in 1992 RUDRA play an exquisite variety of extreme metal where they infuse Indian mythology and classical instruments to their songs, also being one of the first ever bands to do so, which have earned them the fame of being the creators of the ‘Vedic Metal‘ genre. Following suit, many other bands like fellow Asian counterparts DYING OUT FLAME of Nepal, and even in the western country of Czech Republic CULT OF FIRE has taken up this new genre, whose lyrics and theme revolve around ancient Hindu philosophical scriptures(Vedas) and the whole aesthetic of it. Blending indigenous cultural music and theme in the nerve of black and death metal has brought them to a significant global attention, with their albums sold in Europe and the US as well, much of which has been welcomed in a positive approach. RUDRA has successfully been a dominant force in this part of the world with a mass underground cult following. The band has released eight full length studio albums as of now, with their latest being ‘Enemy Of Duality‘ released back last winter in the month of December, 2016 out via Indian record label Transcending Obscurity. The album has seen a lot of positive reviews and has been an instant hit in the Asian metal circuit. You definitely need to check them out if you haven’t already, and maybe get yourself a copy of ‘Enemy of Dualityhere. Recently I have had the honour to chat with Kathir Aryaputra, the band’s frontman, who’s also the lead singer and bassist. It was a very cool opportunity to have this interview going because RUDRA is one of my favourite bands out there and definitely kicks ass. Here is how things went down with Kathir Aryaputra of RUDRA. Continue reading

Review: RUDRA – ‘Enemy of Duality’ [Partial Album Stream]

You are about to bear witness to the heaviest band the country of Singapore has to offer. The ‘Vedic metal’ pioneers since the early ’90s return this year with their most ambitious album to date. Having worked hard over the years to forge a unique sound that’s a sublime blend of Indian classical music rooted in ancient spirituality and extreme metal encompassing death metal, black metal and thrash metal music. Rudra have influenced various bands both within their country and abroad, they have set standard for what fans what in regards to blackened thrash and death metal. The unheralded overlords of Asia, Rudra have a cult following that remains mysteriously loyal, as they hone a sound that’s probably unparalleled. Their latest album, again founded on the principles of Vedic spirituality. Indian classical instruments such as sitar, flute, tablas (Indian percussion) and even a didgeridoo are used for this album, to create a spiritual expression. Don’t let the idea of these unfamiliar instruments scare you away, it doesn’t get in the way at all of this band dominating in the genre where they have broken barriers and still remained true to the metal way. ‘Enemy of Duality’ released December 17, 2016 and is destined to be a landmark from the Orient, one that doesn’t abandon the ancient roots and blends the traditional sounds and philosophies seamlessly into music that’s at once challenging and hypnotic. Continue reading