Before the 16th century, the Vedic period was notable for the Brahman-centered and sacrifice ritualistic cultures of the Indo-Aryan people. While these practices are near unheard of in modern times, the Hindu-prototype traditions are emerging in some forms. Singaporean blackened death metal quartet Rudra pay respect to their Vedic roots through their heavy, folk-infused music.
With three decades under their belt, the four-piece recently conjured their tenth full-length release. Eight Mahavidyas conceptually conveys the stories of ancient female icons, through a late Behemoth or Rotting Christ-like disposition.
In their latest offering, Rudra cries out with thrashy riffs and grandiose guitar melodies on “Awakened and Skyclad,” in honor of Lalla (aka “Lalleshwari” or “Lal Ded”), an influential mystic, poet, philosopher, and author. The full visual experience can be seen in the new video directed by Jacen Tan.