Butcher Babies
Having role models is important. Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey of the L.A. Metal band Butcher Babies looked to Iron Maiden, Slayer, Slipknot and Pantera for inspiration. But standing above the rest was Wendy O. Williams, the frontwoman of the Plasmatics.
“Wendy O. Williams was the first female in Heavy Metal,” explained co-vocalist Heidi Shepherd. “We were both (Shepherd and co-vocalist Carla Harvey) were hugely influenced by her.”
“We took the name from the Plasmatics song ‘Butcher Baby’,” the group stated in an interview. “Wendy was a bad ass… she didn’t give a f@ck what anyone thought… we share that spirit.”
Shepherd added that she admired “females that defy the male dominance in music.”
With producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God) Butcher Babies recorded their ’13 debut album, “Goliath.” It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart but landed in the bottom half (#112) of the Billboard 200.
Shepherd and Harvey became known for aggressive, Shock Rock performances that were informed by horror movies and for going topless, wearing tape over their nipples. That particular Wendy O.’ inspired stage look was later abandoned.
De-emphasizing “Goliath’s” melodic tendencies in favor of a Thrash Metal approach, Butcher Babies’ sophomore set, “Take It Like A Man,” a ’15 release, peaked at #76 on the Billboard 200 and hit #5 on the U.S. Indie chart.
Take It Like A Man
According to reports, the record label (Century Media Records) and the group’s management expressed a dislike for the album title and artwork (a young girl in a pink dress wearing a knight’s helmet), and that the band had to fight to keep them.
“Every member of this band had to fight to be the person he or she is today,” stated Harvey. “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.”
“Monster’s Ball” was the lead single. It was followed by the tracks “Never Go Back” and “Igniter.” The album was also notable for containing a re-recorded version of Butcher Babies’ first single from ‘10, “Blonde Girls All Look The Same.”
Monster’s Ball
Never Go Back
Still, the group’s past haunted them, namely when they wore nipple tape for live shows. “(It) has been pounded into everyone’s head,” explained Shepard. “The thing is, it wasn’t part of who we are. It was only for like, six months. It will always come up. I completely agree (that media focuses on our sexuality).”
After the group’s tour with Megadeth, Butcher Babies released their third album, “Lilith.” The set marked the debut of drummer, Chase Brickenden. He replaced Chris Warner who left in ’16 when he got engaged.
Ricky Bonazza took over on bass in ‘20 after Jason Klein’s exit.
It would be a little less than six years before the Groove Metal band would release another album.
Apparently making up for lost time, the Butcher Babies delivered the double set (their fourth and fifth albums) “Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind,” containing “Beaver Cage,” “Red Thunder” and “Last December.”
Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind
Hedi Sheppard
Butcher Babies announced via social media during the summer of ’24 that they had parted ways with Harvey.
The band thanked Harvey for her dedication and Harvey thanked fans for their support. She was with Butcher Babies for fifteen years (5 albums/2 EPs).
Later in the year, the band dropped the single, “Sincerity,” their first release since Harvey’s departure.
“Over the last decade and a half, Butcher Babies has become known for our aggression and soaring melodies. This new release is no different,” Shepherd explained. “This single is bound to invoke an emotional rollercoaster between looking toward the future with hope while reminiscing of past losses.”
Harvey went on to front the all-female band The Violent Hour.
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