Butcher Babies co-lead singer Carla Harvey has confirmed in a new statement that she left the band six months ago, after the band sent a message about the line-up change.

Since their formation in 2010, Harvey and co-founder Heidi Shepherd have formed the beastly duo that provides the modern metal band with guttural roars and melodic vocals.

The band hasn’t played a show in the Finnish capital Helsinki since December 16, but they are scheduled to return to the stage later this week at Stonehenge Fest on July 27 in the Netherlands. So far, Butcher Babies has not confirmed whether they will replace Harvey or continue with Shepherd on vocals only.

See below for statements from Butcher Babies and Harvey.

READ MORE: 17 Rock + Metal Bands That Never Had a Lineup Change

Butcher Babies Statement

Butcher Babies were the first to share the news with their fans, acknowledging recent speculation that they had split from Harvey.

The group calls Harvey “an integral part of our journey” and acknowledges the “unique talent, passion and energy” she brought to Butcher Babies. They also wish the singer “the very best in her future endeavors” and inform fans that the band will continue into this “new era.”

The full statement reads:

As you may have guessed, it has been confirmed that Carla Harvey and Butcher Babies have officially split.

Carla has been an integral part of our journey, bringing her unique talent, passion and energy to the band. We are grateful for the incredible memories we have made together and the impact she has had on our music and our fans. We will miss her immensely and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

We truly appreciate your support over the past 15 years. We feel incredibly fortunate to continue making and playing music as our career, and we are excited for this new era of Butcher Babies!

See you on the road.

-Babies slaughtered

Steel Panther vocalist Michael Starr praised Harvey’s 15-year career in Butcher Babies, saying it’s “not an easy thing to do.” Hyro the Hero, meanwhile, encouraged Butcher Babies to “keep doing great.”

Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares adds that Butcher Babies “did an amazing job” during their joint European tour, and gives a ringing recommendation to Shepherd, who currently serves as the band’s sole vocalist. “Heidi proved to be a powerhouse and carried the band exceptionally well.”

Statement by Carla Harvey

In her statement, shared late Saturday (July 20), Harvey addressed her absence from Butcher Babies’ social media posts, saying she “will not be returning to the band for any future endeavors” after 15 years of recording and touring with them, including five albums and a pair of EPs.

The singer thanks her fans for their support and assures them: “I’m not done making music and performing yet” and that we “WILL” (in all caps) see her soon.

Over the past 6 months you may have noticed that I haven’t been responding to BB messages anymore.

After 15 years of dedication I wanted to let you know that I will not be returning to the band for any future projects. I am super proud of my work with Butcher Babies… 2 EPS, 5 full length albums and countless tours with our metal heroes!

To all of our incredible BB friends and fans…you have given me some of the best experiences of my life! I have loved every second of writing and performing all over the world for you! I loved meeting you.

WOW. I still can’t believe this Detroit kid got so lucky.

I’m not done making music and performing. I WILL see you soon.

Harvey’s peers in the rock and metal community responded with encouragement, congratulating her on her success as co-vocalist of Butcher Babies during those 15 years.

Nothing More, Hyro the Hero, Andrea Ferro (Lacuna Coil), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), Prika Amaral (Nervosa) and Doc Coyle (Bad Wolves) were among those who commented on Harvey’s statement.

Butcher Babies Line-up

Heidi Shepherd – (vocals, 2010-present)
Henry Flury – guitars (2010–present)
Ricky Bonazza – bass (2020–present)
Blake Bailey – drums (2023–present)