Metamorphosis is the fourth studio album by Iron Butterfly, released on August 13, 1970. It reached number 16 on the US charts and number 31 in Canada. Mike Pinera and Larry "El Rhino" Reinhardt became members of Iron Butterfly in the early part of 1970. Doug Ingle and Mike Pinera passed away on May 24 and November 20, 2024 respectively being the last surviving members of the album. The album was recorded at American Recording studio and produced by Richard Podolor, engineered by Bill Cooper. The single "Easy Rider" reached number 66 on the Billboard chart and number 48 in Canada, 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, which Pinera used on "Butterfly Bleu."

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

Songwriting credits per BMI Records. The album sleeve ambiguously credits the songs to "Iron Butterfly".

Personnel

Iron Butterfly

Additional personnel

Charts

"Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way)"

Singles

US singles Non-US singles