Iron Butterfly, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Formed in San Diego in 1966, Iron Butterfly became pioneers of psychedelic rock and early heavy metal. Best known for their 17-minute epic In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968), they fused swirling organs, heavy riffs, and hypnotic rhythms into a sound that influenced both progressive rock and hard rock. The In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida album sold over 30 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling records of its era. Though their lineup shifted and their mainstream run was brief, Iron Butterfly’s blend of heaviness and psychedelia left a lasting mark on rock history and inspired generations of bands.