SCORCHING BEAUTY

Four years after their first break up, Iron Butterfly comes back in January 1975 with Scorching Beauty. The album had a stunning cover art and photography, but it was a big, big disappointment. Although they still had half of the classic line up (guitarist Erik Brann and original drummer Ron Bushy) on board, the music had almost nothing reminding of their former self: without Doug Yule´s distinctive vocals and organ it just does not sound like Iron Butterfly at all. Worse: the new compositions were also very different and closer to the early 70´s hard rock cliches.

That would not be a big problem if they only were a little more inspired and convincing. Ok, the tracks are not all bad. The opener 1975 overture and Hard Miseree are quite pleasant and have their merits. However, they are easily counterbalanced by the mediocrity of the remaining cuts (Am I Down and People of The World are especially hard to listen to). Erik Brann proves himself a decent singer and his guitar skills are obvious, and the band is very tight, but the weak compositions really blew the whole experience. So much so that even the good production and nice performances could not save the project.

From now on Iron Butterfly was a completely band altogether. And they would only prove themselves worth with their next release Sun and Steel. This one is only for collectors and completionists.