Rudra albums are normally ferocious affairs, so I braced myself. “Enemy of Duality” is the Singaporean band’s eighth album of Vedic metal, which translates as a spiritual and turbulent tribute to the band’s ancestral culture and the foundations of Hinduism. Before absorbing myself in the latest album, to refresh myself on the context, I looked back on my own interview for Ave Noctum with founder member Kathir in 2012, and found the following interesting response about the juxtaposition of the philosophy and musical style: “Extreme metal allows the expression of radical ideas by virtue of its sonic dynamism. To us Vedic non dualism and extreme metal is a perfect marriage”. Non dualism, in so far as I understand it, refers to the achievement of spiritual realisation through the recognition that the individual soul or true Self (Atman) is identical to the highest reality (Brahman). Not understanding the significance of the “enemy” of duality, I contacted Kathir for clarification. He responded: “The theme of the album is a Sanskrit text called mandukya karika. It is a polemical text on non-duality. Hence we named the album Enemy of Duality. Because the Self is presented so in it. And the album too presents the songs with the same tenor”. This, and in particular the association with higher states of consciousness, reminds me strongly of aspects of Buddhism. Personally I find this interesting and it has prompted further research, but have no fear: this knowledge is not a requirement to listen to this album, and there’s no exam at the end of it.
Musically “Enemy of Duality” is a stunning musical journey. From the dreamy opening mantra of “Abating the Firebrand” to the technicolour ending of “Ancient Forth” it explodes with expression. An array of instruments is used: the standard metal ones of course, then there’s the sitar, table and flute. They all contribute to the powerful atmosphere. Vocally, Kathir’s tones are harsh, contrasting with the softer and haunting Indian harmonies. Most importantly, the blend is right as we absorb this adventure. So that opening mantra expands into fiery metal. It is metal whose character has supremacy and majesty. The instrumentals are wild like a burning fire. Kathir rams his message down our throat like a metal mantra. A mystical undercurrent is always lurking. “Slay the Demons of Duality” takes the level higher. Kathir’s message is urgent. The fast and furious opening section gives way to intense and accomplished guitar work. It is turbulent but in a controlled way. A short flute section brings momentary calm, before the violent whirlwind resumes with “Perception Apparent”. As drums trigger constantly, there’s a haunting chorus and the guitars take us away. The chorus returns. The atmosphere is menacing as the elements of these many-sided pieces seem like a battle for control. But Rudra’s control of these elements is supreme. As I listened to “Acosmic Self”, I reflected that their songs have classic metal elements, which make them so familiar, but Rudra routinely expand the scene to inject wider blackened worlds. “Acosmic Self” is typically pulsating, technically extravagant and carefully structured. It’s hard to describe it as spiritual when there is such turbulence and apparent malevolence but it is exotic and sophisticated, and let’s not forget that Rudra are not depicting a world of milk and honey here. I can describe it as thrilling, and so too “Root of Misapprehension” builds an awe-inspiring atmosphere. The progression is exciting. The battle is on. The track begins and ends with calming Indian instrumentals. “Seer of All” is black and ferocious. As ever the track builds up in epic majesty as if there is a higher power in evidence, both in respect of the music and the album’s theme.
It’s all here on “Enemy of Duality”. There is a stronger unity of sounds and mystical sensations than I can remember on previous Rudra albums but especially so on the final two tracks. Metal elements and Eastern mysticism are strongly present and indeed blend in to each other. “Hermit in Nididhyasana” drives forward in an uncompromising and relentless way, Kathir’s vocals have the tone of a fiery preacher, but in there also is the Eastern atmosphere, accentuated by the ethnic music and chorus. Throughout the album, the metal style is driven along by a rapid-fire drum, but structured in a way that there is always an epic feel and excitement. Passages transform, and are ablaze with both a fusion of fire and Indian instrumental and vocal injections. It’s a riot of colour but not riotous as the sounds merge and work in harmony. The end of the hard-hitting “Ancient Forth”, which closes this album, is out of this world. This nine minute epic is for me the highlight of this sophisticated work. Majestic, hypnotising and colourful guitar work and tribal drums combine with both harsh and unusual vocal sounds to convey its mystical Oriental flavours. The sound of the didgeridoo announces the start of the final section. I felt as if I was sitting next to the Ganges indulging in a kaleidoscopic feast of music.
“Enemy of Duality” is an extraordinarily rich experience in both a musical and cultural sense. It is exotic and outstanding. It swept me away. To borrow the title of a classic track, if not the all-time classic Rudra track from the 2005 “Brahmavidya: Primordial I”, this album is another journey over the pathless path towards the knowable unknown. We discover new paths here. “Enemy of Duality” has an aura of being out of this world, but then out of this world is where the reality of this album is.
(9.5/10 Andrew Doherty)
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https://rudrametal.bandcamp.com/album/enemy-of-duality-vedic-metal
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