15 Most Underrated Hard Rock Bands Of All Time

In the mid-70's, bands were almost expected to follow the "Led Zeppelin formula" in order to see success. While everyone was trying to copy the bluesy riffs of their rock and roll comrades from England, Montrose came onto the scene with a different kind of bent to their sound.

Founded by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, the band's first few records got a huge kick in the pants thanks to the vocals of an up and coming singer named Sammy Hagar. Years before he became the Red Rocker we know today, Sammy's vocals on this band's first few records was a welcome change of pace than those who were trying to out-scream each other.

While many people know this group as "the-other-band-Sammy-was-in," Montrose himself is certainly no slouch, as he created some of the most infectious riffs coming out of the States on tracks like "Rock the Nation." After Hagar left, the band struggled to find its feet, but their fanbase had kept listening. One of the biggest admirers of the band were Iron Maiden, who still routinely play the band's tunes before they take to the stage. Out of all the great rock bands coming out of the States in the 70's, Montrose is probably the best collective of hard rockers you've never heard of.