Ishur Ninku began as an outlet. I needed to express the moods and textures that were swimming through my head. I thought this would be a one time thing...

In the summer of 2000, I wrote the first two Ishur Ninku songs ("The Mystic" and "Shroud"). I really had no idea then, that I would actually complete a full length CD, much less a followup!

The Self Titled first Ishur Ninku CD (S/T) was the result of painless hours spent with sequencers, guitars, and anything else I could lay a hand on. It was simply the most pleasureful recording I've ever done. Rarely does the recording process go so smoothly and offer so little stress.

With S/T, I sought to capture a Middle Eastern vibe. I had been reading a lot of materials on the Ancients and various prophetic utterings. Inspiration would come, and I would happily pursue it.

An outlet... Well maybe not anymore.In 2003 I felt the urge to write and record another Ishur Ninku CD called Shiva. This disk is not another Middle Eastern sounding record. It has it's moments... But it is darker, more brooding, and maybe a little more atmospherical than S/T. In fact, I may have been listening to too much Tangerine Dream while writing it!

Shiva featured a more textured and ambient approach. I was pleased to have Angel Poe perform vocals for the song "Asian Rain".

It's 2004 now and the legend continues. I have decided to release S/T and Shiva on one CD called Contemplation (A Collection). This compilation will contain all songs from the first two CD's as well as two brand new, previously unreleased songs.

Stay tuned here for the updates!

Peace,

Rick Mester