Metamorphosis is the fourth studio album by Iron Butterfly, released on August 13, 1970. Butterfly stalwarts Ron Bushy (drums), Lee Dorman (bass) and Doug Ingle (vocals, keyboards) were accompanied on the album by Mike Pinera (guitar, vocals) and Larry Reinhardt (guitar). Though not as successful as its predecessor Ball (1969), it reached number 16 on the US charts.. Erik Brann, who left because of band disputes, was replaced by four session guitarists. Two of them, Mike Pinera (Blues Image frontman), and Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt (called El Rhino on the sleeve), would become members of Iron Butterfly shortly after the album's release. Officially, the album is credited not to Iron Butterfly, but to "Iron Butterfly with Pinera & Rhino", in reference to the two aforementioned guitarists.
The album spawned the single "Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way)", which reached number 66 on the Billboard chart, making it the band's biggest hit aside from "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida". The album is noted for having one of the earliest uses of the Talk box on a rock album.
Reception
Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine rated Metamorphosis three out of five stars. He explained that "the group continued its musical explorations, adding a layered production to its sound." He also stated that "[the] ambition [...] makes for an interesting listen."
Track listing
All tracks written by Doug Ingle, Ron Bushy, and Lee Dorman, except where noted.
Singles
- US singles
- "Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way)" b/w "Soldier in Our Town"
- "Stone Believer" b/w "Silly Sally" (Non-LP cut)
- Non-US singles
- "Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way)" b/w "Soldier in Our Town"
- "New Day" b/w "Soldier in Our Town"
- "Best Years of Our Life" b/w "Shady Lady"
- "Silly Sally" b/w "Stone Believer"
Charts
"Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way)" â€" Billboard
Personnel
Iron Butterfly
- Doug Ingle â€" organ, lead vocals (1â€"3, 5â€"8)
- Lee Dorman â€" bass
- Ron Bushy â€" drums
Additional musicians
- Mike Pinera â€" guitar, lead vocals (3, 4, 6, 9)
- Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt â€" guitar
- Richard Podolor â€" sitar, twelve-string guitar
- Bill Cooper â€" twelve-string guitar