Lodestar is an English experimental progressive rock band, formed in 1996 by Heitham Al-Sayed (lead vocalist), John Morgan (drums) and "Haggis" (sound engineer) after they left Senser.^[1] They were joined by guitarist Jules Hodgson to write and record their self-titled debut album in 1996 . Recorded at Monnow Valley Studios in Wales, the album was engineered and Produced by Haggis and Dave Eringa. Released on Ultimate Records.^[1]

The band released two singles and 1 album, and gigged across the UK and Europe from 1996 to 1997.

They were asked to join Tool on their European tour, as support for their album Aenima, including a support slot at the London Astoria. .^[2]

The band split after a couple of years, and the members went off to pursue other projects, with Heitham, John and Haggis all working with Senser again at various times.

Jules Hodgson went on to play for industrial bands Pig and KMFDM and moved out to the USA.

Around 2018 - 2019 Heitham, John and Haggis started swapping ideas for a second album. Soon after, recording was underway.

This second album, called Zonen, was announced to be released on April 2024. It features Haggis on Bass and Guitar, Heitham on Vocals and John on Drums.

Prior to the release of the second album "Zonen", three singles have been released under the names of "Bring Me The Head", "Surrender To The Tide" and "Flame". The Second album was eventually released on May 17th 2024, featuring 11 songs.

They are joined by Charlie Beddoes ( Rub Ultra, Nasty Little Lonely) on Bass , with Haggis moving over to guitar .

Discography

Albums

• Lodestar CD Album [TOPPCD049] (A&M 1996)^[3]
  1. "Another Day"
  2. "Salter's Ducks"
  3. "Wait A Minute"
  4. "Representative"
  5. "By Halves"
  6. "Better Late Than Never"
  7. "Aftertaste"
  8. "Worthwhile"
  9. "Soiled Blood"
  10. "Down In The Mud"
  11. "Iliac Crest"
• Lodestar 12" Vinyl Album [TOPPLP049]
  • Same as above
• Zonen (Self-Released 2024)
  1. Surrender To The Tide
  2. Bring Me The Head
  3. Be Ready
  4. Hyperitual
  5. Flame
  6. 1983
  7. The Stranger
  8. High Sorrow
  9. The Real World
  10. Sigils Burning
  11. The Harp

Singles

• "Another Day" CD [TOPP046CD] (1996)
  1. "Another Day"
  2. "All You Need"
  3. "11/8 Koroviev"
• "Another Day" 7" Vinyl [TOPP046] (1996)^[4]
  1. "Another Day"
  2. "Force Of Habit"
• "Another Day" 12" Vinyl [TOPP046T] (Ultimate Records 1996)
  1. "Another Day"
  2. "All You Need"
  3. "11/8 Koroviev"
• "Down in the Mud" CD [FEZ001CD] (A&M 1997)^[3]
  1. "Down In The Mud"
  2. "Neat, Neat, Neat"
  3. "Down In The Mud" (Primitive Edit)
  4. "Horse"
• "Down in the Mud" 7" Vinyl [FEZ001] (1997)^[4]
  1. "Down In The Mud"
  2. "Somnopolis"
• "Bring Me The Head" (Self-Released 2024)
  1. "Bring Me The Head"

• "Surrender To The Tide" (Self-Released 2024)
  1. "Surrender To The Tide"

• "Flame" (Self-Released 2024)
  1. "Flame"

Promos

• "Another Day" CD (1996)
  1. "Another Day"
  2. "All You Need"
  3. "11/8 Koroviev"
• "Another Day" 12" Vinyl [UKPROMO8T] (1996)
  1. "Another Day"
  2. "Down In The Mud" (Primitive Edit)
• "Down In The Mud" CD (1997)
  1. "Down In The Mud" (Radio Edit)
  2. "Down In The Mud" (Primitive Club Mix)
  3. "Salter's Ducks" (Alternate Mix)
  4. "Aftertaste"
  5. "Down In The Mud"
• "Sampler" (Ultimate Records 1997)
  1. "Down In The Mud" (Radio Edit) (3:38)
  2. "Down In The Mud" (Primitive Club Mix) (4:19)
  3. "Salter's Ducks" (Alternate Mix) (4:08)
  4. "Aftertaste" (4:41)
  5. "Down In The Mud" (4:16)

Members

• Heitham Al-Sayed (Vocals, 1996–1997, 2022- Present )
• John Morgan (Drums, 1996–1997, 2022- Present)
• "Haggis" (Guitar, Bass, Production, Mixing, 1996–1997, 2022- Present)
• Charlie Beddoes ( Bass, 2023 - Present
• Jules Hodgson (Guitar, 1996–1997)^[1]