History

RUDRA was formed way back in mid 1992 as a trio, then comprising of Kathi
(bass, vocals), Shiva (drums) & Bala (Guitars). Back then, the band was
known as RUDHRA. Since then, the band has been very active in the local
underground circuit. Eventually a fourth member, Panneer, was included to
intensify the guitar
gigs and eventually released a 4-track Demo entitled 'The Past' in 1994.
Prior to this release, RUDHRA was also featured in a few underground Death
Metal compilation albums featuring several Singaporean Death Metal Bands.

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
resuMcommon 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
MANIFEST) helped the band in covering the second guitar duties till Bala
returned to Rudra-fold prior to the recording of the debut album.
Rudra has received attention from all parts of the globe after r O
debut album. It has already sold 4000 units of its debut album, thus making
it one of the best selling Singaporean Death/Black Metal bands.
Discography
1. Made In Singapore (M.I.S)Vol 3 - (1993 Mouse Records)
Rudra (then known as RUDHRA) contributed the track 'Armageddon' to this
compilation.
2. The Birth of Death..............- (1994 Independent)
Rudra (then known as RUDHRA) contributed 3 tracks to this Singaporean Death
Metal Compilation. The tracks were 'Malediction', 'Murd0Q
Behind Shadows'. This release is now unavailable.
3. Battle of the Bands - (1994 VMP/Fire Productions)
Rudra contributed the track 'Dwelling in the Unknown' to this compilation.
4. RUDHRA - The Past (Demo '95)
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', @S
Elimination' & 'Necrophilia'.
5. RUDRA - RUDRA (1998 Candlelight Productions)
Rudra's debut, which brought worldwide attention and respect for the band's
musical creativity.
6. Metal Legion (1998 Candlelight Productions)
A Candlelight Productions music sampler that features Rudra's 'Atman' & 'No
War'.

Interview:
1.Who are the band members:
Kathi : Bass, Vocals
Shiva: Drums
Alvin: Guitars
Bala: Guitars

2.How did you got your name and what does means:
Our band is named after the Hindu God of destruction, Lord Shiva. Rudra is an epithet of Lord Shiva. We were searching for a name that would best represent our pagan religious culture, our music and our lyrical direction.Therefore, we used this name.

3.What music stile do you play and compare it to some similar bands:
We play Death/Black metal leaning towards the Death Metal genre. The uniqueaspect of our music is that it features Indian classical music and Sanskrit chants. `W mystical feel into it.

4.Some of your favorite groups:
My favorites are Slayer, Deicide, old Sepultura, Death, Obituary, Emperor,Marduk, Dimmu Borgir, Bathory and Kreator.

5.Your opinion about underground and commercial music scene:
I consider underground music to be 'a serious tone in mundane life'.Commercial music has got only one theme. And that is sex or love.Something I'm not interested in writing. Underground music is pYand questions the validity of many beliefs that the masses blindly believe.Sometimes it shocks the average man with its directness and freedom ofexpression. This is sometimes good because it sets the listener thinking.So underground music is important to life. It is just the other side of the coin. We need both underground and commercial to distinguish one from the other.

6.What was the biggest success of your band:
To release our debut album and being accepted in the international€[
underground scene.

7.How many concerts did you played and by your opinion what was the best:
We've played very few featured concerts actually. In all about a dozen.
The best was being part of a bill of Singaporean Metal bands in a concert
called Pre-Armageddon Daze.

8.The favorite song you made and why:Ananda' is my favorite. It combines speed and Indian tunes.

9.Where you on some local radio show (or something like that):
We were featured once in a metal show but most ]
understand underground bands and sometimes ask stupid questions.

10.Do you think that underground music need more attention of media and what is your opinion about big music televisions and radio stations(such as MTV,Viva.....):
I think there should be a section in big music television for the underground scene. Maybe 2 hours in a week devoted to just underground mayhem. Some may call this commercialization but in countries like ours, we have no access to the underground _

11.Do you have support of local metal fans:
Yes, our local supporters are great.

12.Plans for the future:
To release our next album by June 2000. Hopefully, it will be a blast!

13.Say something for the end:
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to be interviewed. We truly appreciate it and all the best to you.

Web: http://www.singnet.com.sg/~rudra <http://www.singnet.com.sg/rudra
E-mail: rudra@singnet.com.sg