Singaporean metallers RUDRA have announced the addition of guitarist Vinod to the group's ranks. RUDRA bassist/vocalist Kathir states, "[Vinod] isn't someone new to RUDRA or the Singaporean metal scene. Vinod has played in many bands before and has been known to us for almost eight years. We are looking forward to writing the new album and touring with him."

Adds Vinod, "It is truly an honour to be chosen and be part of RUDRA, a pioneer metal band. The first extreme metal band I listened to that inspired me and made me believe it is possible for local Singaporeans to start a band and be successful. I've known the members for a while. And now being in the band, I'm excited to work with them. Thus looking forward to contribute my part in the upcoming albums."

A photo of the new RUDRA lineup can be viewed below.

RUDRA recently inked a deal with Vic Records for the European release of the band's fifth full-length album, "Brahmavidya: Transcendental I". Due in Europe on July 6 (April 15 in Asia via Hong Kong's Trinity Records), the CD was produced by Joshua G. Nair and Sean Loo and features fourteen tracks with a total running time of about 70 minutes.

"Brahmavidya: Transcendental I" track listing:

01. Bhagavatpada Namaskara
02. Ravens of Paradise
03. Amrtasyaputra
04. Hymns from the Blazing Chariot
05. Meditations at Dawn
06. Advaitamrta
07. Natural Born Ignorance
08. Immortality Roars
09. Reversing the Currents
10. Venerable Opposites
11. Avidya Nivrtti
12. Not the Seen but the Seer
13. Adiguru Namastubhyam
14. Majestic Ashtavakra

RUDRA recently shot a video for the track "Hymns from the Blazing Chariot". The clip was directed by Jacen Tan and was "filmed over a period of two months, using some cool 'green-screen' effects," according to the band. "The concept is based on the ancient battle of Kurukshetra, focusing on the dialogue between two warriors, Arjuna and Krishna."