Though Brahmavidya: Primordial 1 is already the fourth record of Singaporian Rudra their existance was totally unknown for me a couple of days ago. I didn´t know what will expect me particularly since the promotion letter discribes them as "Vedic Death Metal". After some cd-run-through I must say that I am extremly enthusiastic. First relating to Death Metal seems strange because Rudra´s vocals don´t sound like usual deep and energetic voices.
Distorted screaming of Rudra sounds more like Black and Thrash Metal being good for Brahmavidya: Primordial 1. Musically Rudra ignite an exceedingly pretentious and stratified firework not only cause of meeting with those vedic and hinduistic influences.

Songs are partially structrured very technical, hard and tight what first of all procures a modern impression. Some breakes are inserted, fast clear and straight-lined passages exist as speed changes and go-together, melodic lulls. Though the whole record get over technical and dull, it totally sounds different namely fluent, warm and alive. This is founded in Rudra´s vocals that sounds so hard and vigorous on Brahmavidya: Primordial 1 but not acting sterile and anonymous. The band also present variable and enthusiastic guitars, melodies and solo shine with technical brilliance that running directly trough your veins. But it is those vedic influences and elements inserted perfectly in this brutal style of metal that collected this special atmosphere. Those elements sounding some exotic for European listeners exist in different forms. Lyrically, in substance and musically when still chorale vocals or silent melodies leave a mysterious impression.

Closing I want to mention that Brahmavidya: Primordial 1 is no experimental opus or so-called Avantgarde Metal. Rudra celebrates excellent brutal and hard metal unifying different influences and styles. Finding this disk in a distribtion you should try your luck with Rudra.

Review by: Aceust
Translation by: G.P.

01. Twilight of duality
02. Ananya Chaitanya
03. The pathless path to the knowable unknown
04. There the sun never shines
05. Veil of Maya
06. Ageless consciousness, I am
07. Meditations on the Mahavakya
08. Aham Brahmasmi
09. Shivoham
10. In the fourth quarter: Turiya


RUDRA
DEMONZEND