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33.) Rudra – Brahmavidya: Immortal I


Rudra are an Indonesian metal band who write concept albums based on the Hindu faith. This is a follow-up to an album that placed in the top 15 of my 2009 albums list, and it completes a concept trilogy. It takes a few listens to understand the subtle dynamics present in this band. They play technical death metal, but there’s just enough sitar and Indian melodies to liven things up. This album sees a new lead guitarist for the band, and the overall sound has shifted from technical riffing more towards something like old Opeth, which is pretty interesting. Underneath Rudra’s unique qualities, this is a pretty straightforward metal release in some ways. But it just excels at every step.