Former BUTCHER BABIES vocalist Carla Harvey has joined LORDS OF ACID, marking an exciting new chapter in her musical career.
Marc Jordan, the manager of LORDS OF ACID, confirmed that Harvey will begin recording vocals for the band’s upcoming album this winter. She is also set to join the group on a 27-date U.S. tour in June.
Harvey shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, “I had three favorite bands in high school: GUNS N’ ROSES, PANTERA, and LORDS OF ACID. Each of these bands influenced me as an artist in a unique way. I was hooked on LOA from the moment I heard ‘I Sit On Acid’ as a teenager, dancing the night away at Detroit’s goth Industrial Haven City Club.
My obsession only grew after I saw Coop’s artwork on the cover of ‘Voodoo U’. Now, I get to record an album and go on tour with my industrial heroes! Pinch 16-year-old me! She’ll be the one in the vocal booth. While my new band, THE VIOLENT HOUR, is set to release its first single in February, I’m adding a bucket list item to my resume: Reigning ‘Acid Queen’. Praise the Lords!”
In an October 2024 appearance on The Ward Bond Show, Harvey, who also works as a grief counselor and end-of-life specialist, reflected on her decision to leave BUTCHER BABIES after 15 years. She recalled the challenges of her early years in Los Angeles, saying, “Living in L.A., you get opportunities that are often snatched away from you. You make money, then lose it.
I was so tired of the entertainment business, and I didn’t want to do music or acting anymore. It felt like nothing would ever happen with it, so I went to mortuary school, fully committed to working in funeral service. But after a few years, I landed my dream job at a major mortuary in L.A.
At the same time, I got the opportunity to start my band and go on tour for the first time. I had to decide: do I stick with my death-care career, or do I go on tour and give music one last shot? I chose music in 2009, and by 2012, we were touring nonstop, so I couldn’t work in funeral service anymore.
It ended up being the best decision of my life, as our career exploded. I got the best of both worlds—my education in death care and the chance to live my dream in music.”
Harvey continued, discussing the personal aspects that led to her departure from BUTCHER BABIES: “Being in a band is a lot, especially as you get older and your life changes.
I have a partner, a stepdaughter, and the idea of being on the road 10 to 12 months a year became overwhelming. In a band, some members may want to tour constantly, while others might want to take a break. It doesn’t always work for everyone.”
She also reflected on her ability to balance her career in music with other professional endeavors: “My dad once joked when we started the band, ‘I saw you singing on the Internet. Don’t quit your day job.’
At the time, I thought it was a harsh comment, but I’m glad I didn’t quit my day job. While touring, I continued my education and certifications to stay connected to the death-care field. I even founded my grief coaching company to help those in need. It was a way to stay involved in a field I’m passionate about.”
In September 2024, Harvey introduced her new project, THE VIOLENT HOUR, sharing her excitement with fans via social media: “I’ve poured my heart and soul into THE VIOLENT HOUR over the past six months, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. It’s a slower process than I’d like, but I’m pumped for the release.”
In July 2024, BUTCHER BABIES announced Harvey’s departure, expressing gratitude for her contributions to the band and wishing her well in her future endeavors. Carla also confirmed her exit, stating she was proud of her work with BUTCHER BABIES and that she wasn’t done making music or performing.
In the fall of 2023, BUTCHER BABIES completed a European tour without Harvey, who had to sit out due to emergency surgery on her left eye.
In January 2024, Harvey and Charlie Benante, the drummer for ANTHRAX and PANTERA, got engaged. BUTCHER BABIES released a double album, Eye For An Eye… and …’Til The World’s Blind, in July 2023 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album Goliath.
Originally from Detroit, Harvey moved to Los Angeles with dreams of a rock-and-roll career. Instead, she found herself as an entertainment reporter for a groundbreaking cable news program.
After hosting two series and acting in various TV shows and movies, she took a break from showbiz to study mortuary science. She eventually became an embalmer and funeral director before returning to music.
In addition to her work in music, Carla is passionate about drawing and comic books. She began her comic book career with Butcher Babies, a fantasy-horror concept inspired by her former band, which premiered at Comic-Con San Diego and sold out.
Harvey’s comic book Soul Sucka followed, along with her debut novel Death And Other Dances, which received rave reviews. Her artwork has been featured in Famous Monsters magazine and on the cover of Heavy Metal magazine.