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Butcher Babies

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Butcher Babies
Butcher Babies performing in 2018
Butcher Babies performing in 2018
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresMetalcore, groove metal, thrash metal, alternative metal
Years active2010–present
LabelsCentury Media, independent
MembersHeidi Shepherd
Henry Flury
Ricky Bonazza
Devin Nickles
Past membersCarla Harvey
Chris Warner
Jason Klein
Chase Brickenden
Blake Bailey
Websitebutcherbabies.com

Butcher Babies is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, consisting of frontwoman Heidi Shepherd, guitarist Henry Flury (Amen), bassist Ricky Bonazza, and drummer Devin Nickles. Their debut album, Goliath, was released on July 9, 2013, via Century Media Records. It sold 3,300 copies in the US during its first week of release and charted at No. 3 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart and No. 112 on the Billboard 200.[1][2]

History

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First release and rise (2011–2012)

[edit]

The Butcher Babies were formed in 2010[3] by vocalists Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey. The band self-released their first EP in 2011. In July 2011, they released a comic book at San Diego Comic-Con on July 23 and 24.[4] The comic book was written by Harvey and illustrated by Anthony Winn.[5] Rock journalist Keith Valcourt stated in his review of one of the band's shows: "The Butcher Babies deliver a loud crashing blend of heavy metal, punk and thrash that recalls Pantera, adding their stage show embodies the horror antics of Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie. Carla and Heidi don't merely sing: they assault the crowd with a blinding flash of aggression and abuse. And the crowd loves them for it."[6] They gained a lot of attention from their YouTube video of them performing "Fucking Hostile" by Pantera.[7]

On January 6, 2012, the Butcher Babies premiered a new song, "Mr. Slowdeath".[8] On May 24, they released their first music video for "Mr. Slowdeath", which was produced by Mudrock (Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack), which is from the band's self-released EP.[9]

Goliath (2013–2014)

[edit]
Butcher Babies performing in 2014

The band signed a worldwide deal with Century Media Records in November 2012, and a month later embarked on a North American tour from January to February with Marilyn Manson.[10] Only days after wrapping the tour in the City Of Sin, the band was in an L.A. studio with producer Josh Wilbur (Gojira, Lamb of God, Hatebreed) recording their debut album, Goliath.[11]

On June 6, the band released the street single off their debut album "I Smell A Massacre".[12] On June 20, the band streamed another song titled "The Deathsurround".[13] On July 9, the band released their debut album Goliath via Century Media Records. During the first week of sales, the album sold 3,300 copies in the United States which landed it at No. 112 on The Billboard 200 chart.[1]

The Butcher Babies toured on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2013 on the Jägermeister Stage and then toured with Danzig along with Texas Hippie Coalition, and A Pale Horse Named Death.[14]

On July 26, In an interview with Artisan News, Shepherd and Harvey spoke about their decision to ditch the nipple-tape look during their live performances. Their appearance over the course of the last six years consisted of this look as an ode to the late Wendy O. Williams. However, they claimed that the message of creativity and individualism had been received and it was time to evolve to another look.[15]

In early 2014, the band took part in The Hell Pop Tour II headlined by In This Moment with additional support from Devour the Day, All Hail the Yeti, and Before the Mourning.[16][17][18][19][20]

Take It Like a Man (2014–2016)

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On November 5, 2014, the band announced that they had begun work on their upcoming second studio album. The band completed work on the album on April 3, 2015. The band revealed that the album was a return to their thrash metal roots whereas Goliath was more melodic. The band also revealed the new album will feature a re-recorded version of their first single from 2010, "Blonde Girls All Look the Same".

On June 10, 2015, the band revealed the title of their upcoming album to be Take It Like a Man, and also released the first single of the album, "Monsters Ball", despite original plans to release 'Never Go Back" as the lead single. The band revealed that the record label and management expressed dislike for the album title and artwork, and that the band had to fight to keep them. Regarding the album title, vocalist Carla Harvey said:

We all come from different places and backgrounds, but every member of this band had to fight to be the person he or she is today. That's the whole basis for the record. It's not a gender thing. It's the inner strength you have to find in order to pull your boots up and keep moving forward, whatever the situation may be.[21][22][23]

On June 26, the band released a music video for the lead single, "Monsters Ball". On July 11, the band released the song "Never Go Back" as the second single of the album.

Lilith (2017)

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In October 2016, following the departure of original drummer, Chris Warner, Butcher Babies introduced their new drummer Chase Brickenden after he filled in on the band's tour with Megadeth. The band's third studio album Lilith was released on October 27, 2017.[24] The album cover art and insert panel was designed by American artist Justin Paul.[25]

Eye for an Eye… / …'Til the Worlds Blind (2019–2023)

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Butcher Babies performing in Germany, 2022

On January 22, 2019, Butcher Babies posted a black and white slogan and pictures with possible titles of songs in the upcoming fourth album on their instagram page @butcherbabies. However, no further release details were provided.

On October 30, 2020, Butcher Babies released a new song called "Bottom of the Bottle" followed by 'Sleeping with the Enemy' which was release later that year on December 11.

The band released further singles during 2021 with 'Yorktown' on February 12, 'Last Dance' on April 7 and 'It's Killin' Time, Baby!' on August 27.

On October 28, 2022, the band released another single 'Best Friend', (a cover originally performed by the artist Saweeti) followed by 'Beaver Cage', 'Red Thunder' and 'Last December' released on February 10, May 12 and June 9, 2023, respectively.

On July 7, 2023, the band released their fourth album, which came in the format of a double album titled 'Eye for an Eye… / …'Til the World's Blind'.

Harvey's departure (2023–present)

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The band performed their 2023 European tour with Fear Factory without Harvey, who abstained from the tour due to a retinal detachment surgery.[26] She eventually announced her full departure from the band in 2024, leaving Shepherd as the sole vocalist;[27] Harvey would later explain her new-found focus on her career in deathcare as the deciding factor.[28] The band released their first single Sincerity without Harvey in November. [29]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Butcher Babies' music has been described as groove metal,[30][31] thrash metal,[32] metalcore,[33] and alternative metal.[34] The band has cited artists and bands such as Pantera, Guns N' Roses, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, and Slipknot as their influences.[35][36] However, the band Plasmatics had the biggest influence on the band. In an interview, they stated "We are big fans of Wendy O. Williams. We took the name from the Plasmatics Song "Butcher Baby". Wendy was a bad ass… she didn't give a fuck what anyone thought… we share that spirit".[37] In an interview with Revolver Magazine, Harvey said: "As a biracial kid growing up in the Detroit area, I got a lot of shit for loving hard rock and metal, and seeing musicians that were also African American playing the music I loved made me strong enough to say, "Fuck you, I'm going to like what I want."[8] While Shepherd had said "My heroes are Slipknot, Wendy O. Williams, Gwen Stefani, and Joan Jett. Most of them being females that defy the male dominance in music!"[8] They also stated in an interview, they are heavily influenced by horror films such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, House of 1000 Corpses, and The Devil's Rejects.[37]

In an interview from the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, Shepherd stated that she is very influenced by Slipknot, while Harvey stated that she is heavily into old school metal such as Slayer and Iron Maiden, Klein's favorite band is Cannibal Corpse, and Flury's favorite is Meshuggah.[38] Butcher Babies are influenced by the nu metal genre.[35]

The Butcher Babies are known for their aggressive stage appeal, such as wearing nipple tape in the earlier years of their career. This attire is heavily influenced by Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics. Shepherd stated in an interview that "Wendy O. Williams was the first female in heavy metal. She had that single, 'Butcher Baby', hence the name BUTCHER BABIES, and she was the first female to just really go all out. She didn't care what anyone told her. She was going to be the performer she wanted to be without anyone telling her 'No'. We were both hugely influenced by her, and that's where the attire came from."[15]

Members

[edit]
Heidi Shepherd (left) and Carla Harvey in 2014

Current members

  • Heidi Shepherd – vocals (2010–present)
  • Henry Flury – guitars (2010–present)
  • Ricky Bonazza – bass (2020–present)
  • Devin Nickles – drums (2024–present)


Former members

  • Carla Harvey – vocals (2010–2024)
  • Jason Klein – bass (2010–2019)
  • Chris Warner – drums (2010–2017)
  • Chase Brickenden – drums (2017–2023)
  • Blake Bailey – drums (2023)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[1] 		US Heat
[1] 		US Indep
[1] 		US Hard Rock
[1] 		US Rock
[1]
Goliath 112 3 24 12 31
Take It Like a Man
  • Released: August 21, 2015
  • Label: Century Media Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download[39]
 76 — 5 8 13
Lilith
  • Released: October 27, 2017
  • Label: Century Media Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download[39]
 — — 11 15 43
Eye for an Eye... / ...'Til the World's Blind[41]
  • Released: July 7, 2023
  • Label: Century Media Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download[39]
 — — — — —
-| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs

[edit]
Title Album details
Butcher Babies
  • Released: May 29, 2012
  • Label: Self-released
  • Formats: CD, digital download[42]
Uncovered
  • Released: September 30, 2014
  • Label: Century Media Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download

Singles

  • "Never Go Back": #39 US Mainstream Rock[43]

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title Director Album
2012 "Mr. Slowdeath"
—
 Butcher Babies
2013 "Magnolia Blvd"[44] Daniel Andres Gomez Bagby Goliath
2014 "I Smell a Massacre"[45]
—
"They're Coming to Take Me Away Ha-Haa!"
—
 Uncovered
2015 "Monsters Ball" Dan Dobi Take It Like a Man
"For the Fight" Mike Gevorgian
"Igniter"
—
2017 "Lilith" Strati Hovartos Lilith
"Headspin" Brian Cox
"Look What We've Done" Matthew Vietch
"The Huntsman" (Visualizer) Justin Paul
2020 "Bottom of a Bottle"
—
2021 "Sleeping with the Enemy" Ron Thunderwood
"Yorktown" Aaron Sorensen

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Butcher Babies – Chart history". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  2. ^ "Butcher Babies: 'Goliath' First Week Sales Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. July 17, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  3. ^ "Butcher Babies Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  4. ^ "Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. 2013 Bands Announced Tickets On Sale Now". Rockstarmayhemfest.com. September 19, 2011. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  5. ^ "Butcher Babies Comic Con Promo | Video YouTube – NMETV Latest Music Videos and Clips". Nme.Com. December 18, 2013. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  6. ^ "Century Media Records – Butcher Babies". Centurymedia.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2014. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  7. ^ "Butcher Babies – Free listening, concerts, stats, & pictures at". Last.fm. November 26, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c Brandon Geist (September 19, 2011). "Exclusive: Butcher Babies Debut New Song, "Blonde Girls All Look the Same" – Heavy Metal News | Music Videos |Golden Gods Awards". revolvermag.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  9. ^ emoneill (May 24, 2012). "Butcher Babies Premiere New Music Video, "Mr. Slowdeath" – Heavy Metal News | Music Videos |Golden Gods Awards". revolvermag.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  10. ^ "Butcher Babies To Support Marilyn Manson". Blabbermouth.net. December 11, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  11. ^ "Century Media Records – Butcher Babies: : debut album 'Goliath' out now". Centurymedia.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  12. ^ "Butcher Babies: 'I Smell A Massacre' Lyric Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. June 6, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  13. ^ "Butcher Babies: New Song 'The Deathsurround' Available For Streaming". Blabbermouth.net. June 20, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  14. ^ "Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. 2013 Bands Announced Tickets On Sale Now". Rockstarmayhemfest.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  15. ^ a b "Butcher Babies: Why We Ditched The Nipple Tape Look". Blabbermouth.net. July 26, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  16. ^ "In This Moment featuring Devour The Day / Butcher Babies / All..." www.ktvu.com. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  17. ^ "The Hell Pop Tour II with In This Moment and More | Missoula, MT". Jade Presents. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  18. ^ "In This Moment – Tickets – Trocadero Theatre – Philadelphia, PA – January 17th, 2014 | The Trocadero Theatre". Thetroc.com. May 7, 2013. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  19. ^ "In This Moment The Webster Theater". Webstertheater.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  20. ^ "The Hell Pop Tour II with In This Moment, Seattle WA, Showbox". Clubzone.com. October 4, 2013. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  21. ^ Childers, Chad (June 11, 2015). "Butcher Babies Unleash New Track 'Monster's Ball,' Announce New Album Details". Loudwire.
  22. ^ Bienstock, Richard (August 21, 2015). "Stream Video Album of Butcher Babies' 'Take It Like a Man'". Revolver.
  23. ^ "Butcher Babies: Video Footage of Entire Hellfest Performance". Blabbermouth. June 23, 2015.
  24. ^ "Butcher Babies Announce 'Lilith' Release Date, Unveil Title Track". Blabbermouth.net. September 8, 2017. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  25. ^ "Butcher Babies – New Album Cover Revealed". Metal Storm. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  26. ^ "BUTCHER BABIES' CARLA HARVEY To Sit Out European Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. October 26, 2023.
  27. ^ Huntress, Haela (July 22, 2024). "Founding Member and Vocalist Carla Harvey Exits Butcher Babies". MetalSucks.
  28. ^ "CARLA HARVEY Opens Up About Decision To Leave BUTCHER BABIES: 'There's So Much That Goes Into Being In A Band'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. October 5, 2024.
  29. ^ Huntress, Haela (November 8, 2024). "Butcher Babies Release First Single Since Carla Harvey's Departure "Sincerity"". MetalSucks.
  30. ^ Rodriguez, Donny (May 27, 2014). "Kid Rock, 5FDP, Butcher Babies, And More At River City Rockfest — Part Two (Review)". Texas Rock Report. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014.
  31. ^ Monger, James Christopher. "Take it Like a Man (Review) – Butcher Babies". Allmusic. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  32. ^ "BUTCHER BABIES Went Back To Their Thrash Metal 'Roots' On Upcoming Album". Blabbermouth.net. April 3, 2015. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
  33. ^ Anne Erickson (July 4, 2023). "Reviews - "Eye For An Eye..." and "...'Till The World's Blind" - BLABBERMOUTH.NET". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  34. ^ Olivier, Bobby (September 19, 2017). "Stars in Spikes: Will Pop and Hip-Hop's Rediscovery of Heavy Metal Lead to a Genre Resurgence?". Billboard. Retrieved August 18, 2023. ... as she wails to a song that's one double-bass blast beat away from morphing into an alt-metal bonanza, a la In This Moment or Butcher Babies.
  35. ^ a b "Butcher Babies' Carla Harvey Is Looking Forward To Bringing Back 'Thrash Element' To Band's Music". Blabbermouth. August 28, 2014. (August 28, 2014)
  36. ^ "Butcher Babies – Goliath | Reviews From The Cave". July 21, 2013. Archived from the original on July 21, 2013. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  37. ^ a b "Gute Horrorfilme 2013 – Horrorfilm Reviews » Exclusive-Interview with The Butcher Babies". Horrorpilot.com. September 14, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  38. ^ "Butcher Babies". YouTube. July 11, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  39. ^ a b c d "iTunes – Music – Goliath by Butcher Babies". Itunes.apple.com. January 1, 2013. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  40. ^ Brown, Matt (July 17, 2013). "Metal By Numbers 7/17: Like Festivals To Flames". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
    Brown, Matt (July 24, 2013). "Metal By Numbers 7/24: Respect Walk Through Exits Only". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
    Brown, Matt (August 7, 2013). "Metal By Numbers 8/7: Unsurprisingly, Five Finger Death Punch Have a Number 2 Record". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
    Brown, Matt (August 14, 2013). "Metal By Numbers 8/14: Asking Alexandria About The Charts". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
    Brown, Matt (August 21, 2013). "Metal By Numbers 8/21: Coheed Top An Otherwise Uneventful Week". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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    Brown, Matt (October 23, 2013). "Metal By Numbers 10/23: Trivium Lay Vengeance On The Charts". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
    Brown, Matt (January 8, 2014). "Metal By Numbers 1/8: The Charts Have Gone Cold". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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    Teitelman, Bram (January 29, 2014). "Metal By Numbers 1/29: Have an Iced day". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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    Brown, Matt (May 7, 2014). "Metal By Numbers 5/7: Whitechapel break into the top 10". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
    Brown, Matt (June 12, 2014). "Metal By Numbers 6/12: The charts get f*cked up". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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    Brown, Matt (May 29, 2014). "Metal By Numbers 5/29: 16 million Metallica fans can't be wrong". www.metalinsider.net. Retrieved August 26, 2014.
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  41. ^ "BUTCHER BABIES Announce 'Eye For An Eye...' + '…'Til The World's Blind' Double Album". Blabbermouth.net. May 15, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  42. ^ "Connecting to the iTunes Store". iTunes. May 19, 2014. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  43. ^ "Butcher Babies – Chart history | Billboard". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2016. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
  44. ^ "Butcher Babies: 'Magnolia Blvd.' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. September 5, 2013. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  45. ^ "Butcher Babies: 'I Smell A Massacre' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. January 8, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
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