Metal Underground.com

A lesser-discussed strong point - or “secret weapon,” if you will - of one of 2014’s underground death metal gems is its very brevity. “Shiva Rudrastakam” is only 36 minutes long, and not for a lack of ideas, either. The endlessly creative Dying Out Flame has shown remarkable restraint on the debut full-length, and a mature understanding of the fluid dynamics between quality and quantity. The band knows how to get in and get out while you’re still exhilarated.

Having something unique to offer in between certainly helps, or something unique at least to Western ears. Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, the band draws much inspiration from Singapore’s Rudra, forefathers of “Vedic metal.” Traditional instruments, hypnotic male and female chants, riffs infused with Eastern scales, and a heightened air of ancient spirituality are all part of the package - introduced up front in the three-minute overture “Praise Of The Omnipresent One,” a full music movement in itself - twisting the genre in a refreshing ethnic direction.

Speaking of riffs, axemen Saujanya Pahadi and Bikalpa Chaudhary are a veritable factory. On the metallic side of things, Dying Out Flame is very much a guitar-driven outfit, and never fails to dazzle and thrill with a consistent fretwork onslaught that rides the narrow knife’s edge between brutal aggression and catchiness. Whether it’s the mid-paced “Eternal Mother Of Great Time,” the frenetic, blasting “Vaya Putra,” or the technical “Trinetra Dhari (Three Eyed One),” the death metal bursts forth in crystal-clear coherence, making the interwoven blend with the traditional arrangements all the smoother. The offsetting of bassist/vocalist Aabeg Gautam’s throaty growls with the ethereal, melodic, and rhythmic backing chants only adds to the exotic flavor.

At the end of the day, however, “Shiva Rudrastakam” is indeed brutal death metal, and is thus unlikely to attract decided non-fans of the subgenre, the band’s unusual and inspired take notwithstanding. But fans of Nile, Melechesh, and the like should be more than pleased, along with anyone who simply loves metal extreme, dark, and interesting. Dying Out Flame stands at the modern forefront of underground metal from the East, and represent its tiny country with admirable energy and passion.