Meltdown is the fourth studio album by Irish rock band Ash. It was released on 17 May 2004, through Infectious Records. Following the success of their third studio album, "Free All Angels" (2001), the band debuted several new songs on tour throughout 2003. By October, they travelled to Los Angeles, California to record the follow-up. Co-produced by Nick Raskulinecz and the band, the sessions were held at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, and Chalice Studios in Hollywood. Described as an hard rock album, "Meltdown" drew comparison to the Smashing Pumpkins, with guitarwork that recalled acts such as Black Sabbath and Metallica.