Former BUTCHER BABIES vocalist Carla Harvey has opened up about her departure from the band, describing a slow and painful separation after more than 15 years at its core.
In a new interview with Matt Wake of AL.com, Harvey revealed that the split followed a serious eye injury in 2023 that forced her to sit out a fall tour. While she recovered, the band continued on without her — a turning point that ultimately changed everything.
“I couldn’t do the tour because of my injury, and they went out without me,” Harvey explained. “Then it was kind of like, ‘Well, we’ll just do the band by ourselves.’ When you’ve put your heart and soul into something for that long and you do get kind of squeezed out of it, you reach a crossroads.”
Faced with that reality, Harvey said she had a choice: step away quietly or reclaim her creative momentum on her own terms. “I wasn’t going to let someone else decide when I was done,” she said.
A New Chapter Sparked By Creativity — And Support
That resolve led directly to THE VIOLENT HOUR, a new project launched alongside her husband, ANTHRAX and PANTERA drummer Charlie Benante. Harvey credits Benante with pulling her out of a creative low point and pushing her back into songwriting.
“He was like, ‘No. Get out of bed. We’re writing an album,’” she said, recalling mornings spent trading ideas over coffee while Benante played guitar riffs. “His excitement was contagious.”
The result was THE VIOLENT HOUR’s self-titled debut EP, released in July via Megaforce Records. Harvey handled all vocals and lyrics, while Benante wrote and recorded the music. The EP also features high-profile guest appearances, including John 5 on “Sick Ones” and Zakk Wylde on “Hell Or Hollywood.”
Balancing Music, Life, And Death Care
Harvey has also been candid about another defining part of her life: her long-standing work in the death-care industry. Long before BUTCHER BABIES took off, she trained in mortuary science and worked in funeral service — a path she nearly chose permanently before recommitting to music in 2009.
That dual identity never fully disappeared. While touring extensively with BUTCHER BABIES, Harvey continued pursuing certifications, founded a grief coaching company, and maintained professional ties outside of music.
As life evolved — marriage, becoming a stepmother, and changing priorities — the idea of being on the road nearly year-round became harder to justify.
“When you’re in a band, everyone doesn’t always want the same thing,” Harvey explained. “Some people want to tour constantly. Others want balance. As you get older, those differences matter more.”
She also pointed to the harsh economic realities of modern touring for mid-level bands, noting that unlike legacy acts, many musicians today struggle to make a sustainable living without nonstop touring or outside work.
“I’ve always thought about the future,” she said. “What happens when I’m 60? I don’t want to be forced into something just to survive. I want a career.”
Moving Forward
Today, Harvey appears firmly grounded in that philosophy. Alongside her work in grief counseling and death care, she is fully active with THE VIOLENT HOUR, which is currently touring the U.S. as direct support for STEEL PANTHER.
The band’s live lineup includes Kiana De León (lead guitar), Allie Kay (rhythm guitar), Jewell Steele (bass), and Sasha De León (drums). Kiana and Sasha previously played together in the PANTERA tribute band FAR BEYOND HOSTILE and the covers project VIXEN VENDETTA.
For Harvey, the transition hasn’t been about bitterness — but about autonomy.
“Life changes,” she said. “You have to assess what’s best for you. I got to live my dream. Now I get to choose what comes next.”
