Montrose Montrose: AS 40 Series

Montrose's 1973 Self-Titled Debut Reissued for the AS 40 Series on Hybrid Stereo SACD: Mastered to DSD by Matthew Lutthans at the Mastering Lab from the Original Master Tape

Few debut albums hit with the seismic force of Montrose. Released in 1973, this powerhouse record didn't just introduce guitarist Ronnie Montrose and a then-unknown vocalist named Sammy Hagar — it practically rewrote the rules for American hard rock.

From the opening riff of "Rock the Nation" to the thunder of "Bad Motor Scooter" and "Space Station #5," Montrose delivers 35 minutes of pure, high-octane energy. It's lean, loud, and loaded with attitude — the album that bridged the gap between Led Zeppelin's muscle and Van Halen's flash. In fact, Eddie Van Halen himself cited Montrose as a blueprint for what would come next.

Produced by Ted Templeman (soon to helm Van Halen's own breakout), the record's sound is all killer instinct and no filler — massive guitar tones, airtight grooves, and Hagar's raw, unfiltered vocals in peak form. 

Now, this classic gets the treatment it's always deserved. Appearing on Hybrid SACD, this edition captures the album's fire and punch. Turn it up and feel the spark that lit an era.