Carla Harvey, founding vocalist of Butcher Babies, has unveiled her new project The Violent Hour with the release of their debut single, “Sick Ones,” out via Megaforce Records. The track was co-written with Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, featuring guitarist John 5.
Harvey comments:
“‘Sick Ones’ is a rock ‘n’ roll anthem about cutting the toxic people out of your life. It’s a call of freedom, a fist-to-the-face to anyone who has tried to hold you down, hold you back or dim your light. It was written at a vulnerable time in my life when I was forced to end relationships I thought would last forever.
When choosing a theme for this song. I thought about a phrase I had scrawled across a journal from 1999: ‘Cut The Sick Ones Loose.’ Those words became my mantra over the last couple years and felt perfect to chant over Charlie’s guitar riffs. ‘Sick Ones’ also features an absolutely shredding guitar solo by John 5 that brings this thrasher to a whole different level.”
Benante adds:
“‘Sick Ones’ has a modernized NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) vibe to it. The riff is very catchy and stays with you like a good riff should. ‘Sick Ones’ is just the tip of the iceberg for this project. Many of the songs we crafted for The Violent Hour are unlike anything Carla has ever done as a vocalist, reflecting different moods and a new beginning. The music flowed out of me because I had this motivation, this drive… it was unstoppable.”
The Violent Hour marks a fresh start for Harvey following her departure from Butcher Babies after fifteen years. Known for her work as a musician, comic book author, visual artist, and mortuary science professional, Harvey continues to expand, including being the new vocalist for Lords of Acid and touring next month. The song’s official music video, directed by Vicente Cordero (Industrial Films), is set for release on April 25.
Listen to the single below:
