Lodestar (3)

Lodestar was an experimental progressive rock band formed in 1996 by Heitham Al-Sayed (Lead Vocalist), John Morgan (Drums) and "Haggis" (Sound Engineer) after they left Senser over disagreements in the Senser's musical direction. Their line-up completed with the addition of Jules Hodgson (Guitar), Lodestar were unequivocally a hard rock band. As Al-Sayed told the press, "... a lot of it’s a lot less accessible than the Senser stuff. I started to hear music for the melody much more. Our sound is influenced by a lot of old British rock bands and really old American blues stuff." The band was signed to Ultimate Records (same label as Senser at the time) where they released their debut album Lodestar at the end of 1996. The album came as a surprise to old Senser fans, though reviews, particularly in the metal press, were generally good. The one obvious continuity from the past was Al-Sayed’s distinctive vocals - whether rapping or singing, his approach remained one of absolute personal conviction. The band released two singles (Another Day and Down In The Mud), and gigged across the UK in 1997, including a support slot at the London Astoria with Tool. They split up in late 1997.