Hyper-Trust

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Hyper-Thrust by Ronnie Montrose from his 1988 album The Speed of Sound, spinning now on THE ZOO! This instrumental track is a high-octane ride, showcasing Montrose’s electrifying guitar work. In a 1994 interview with Ear of Newt, Montrose revealed he preferred his later album Music From Here over The Speed of Sound, despite fans raving about the latter’s intensity. He described Hyper-Thrust as part of a “futurist space invading” vibe, with its title evoking the speed and power of a jet engine, as noted in a Rate Your Music review. The song’s dynamic energy comes from a tight rhythm section, including drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, whose organic style steered away from the era’s overproduced drum machines.

Another tidbit from the Ear of Newt review highlights how Montrose used electric, acoustic, and MIDI guitars to craft Hyper-Thrust’s soaring, Jeff Beck-inspired sound. Fans on the Ronnie Montrose Rocks! Facebook group often share how this track feels like a cosmic journey, with its layered effects and blistering solos. Montrose’s collaboration with guitar maestro Allan Holdsworth around this time also influenced the album’s experimental edge, as he mentioned in a radio interview on KZAP.ORG. For Zoo Freaks digging the sci-fi vibe, Hyper-Thrust is a nod to Montrose’s earlier space-themed songs like Space Station #5.

Ronnie Montrose kicked off his musical journey in San Francisco, born on November 29, 1947. As a teenager, he moved to Colorado but ran away at 16 to chase his musical dreams back in the Bay Area. His career began in 1969 with the band Sawbuck, but a big break came when producer David Rubinson arranged an audition with Van Morrison. Montrose’s guitar work landed him a spot on Morrison’s 1971 album Tupelo Honey. He later played with Boz Scaggs and joined the Edgar Winter Group in 1972, contributing to their hit album They Only Come Out at Night. In 1973, he formed his own band, Montrose, with a young Sammy Hagar on vocals, releasing their debut album that became a hard rock cornerstone.

Montrose’s relentless drive led him to explore various styles, from the prog-rock of Gamma to instrumental solo albums like Open Fire. His session work with artists like Herbie Hancock and Gary Wright showcased his versatility. Despite his influence, Montrose remained humble, often focusing on his music rather than fame, as noted in a 2016 Louder article. Sadly, Montrose passed away in 2012, but his legacy lives on through fans and his catalog.

Connect with Ronnie Montrose’s legacy online at his official website. While his official Facebook and Instagram pages are no longer actively updated, they feature tributes and throwbacks. There’s no official X account, but fans keep the conversation alive. Join the Ronnie Montrose Rocks! Facebook group to share stories with fellow Zoo Freaks, or check out the fan-run Montrose-Gamma site for deep dives into his discography. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!