Though it has been nearly six years since Butcher Babies released Lilith, the L.A. band hasn’t been out of the spotlight. Since 2020, several singles have been released that are ending up on one of their two new albums: Eye for an Eye… and …’Til the World’s Blind. These are the first Butcher Babies studio albums for bassist Ricky Bonazza, who joined the band a few years ago.
The two albums have distinct vibes and approaches, according to vocalist Carla Harvey. “Eye for an Eye…’ was made in a sun-drenched Arizona desert, while during the recording of …’Til the World’s Blind, the band was holed up, making music in the dead of winter in Midland, Michigan,” Harvey reveals. “You can hear the warmth in Eye for an Eye… and the cold desolation in …‘Til the World’s Blind. Together they encompass light and dark, fire and ice. And in my opinion, you need both elements to make something truly great.”
Eye for an Eye… is more of an EP, with six new songs and a radio edit version of “Sleeping with the Enemy,” which features Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Andy James. The track kicks off the album, a modern hard rocker with band’s trademark vocal blend of smooth singing and harsh screams. “It’s Killin’ Time, Baby!” features a guest appearance from Escape the Fate’s Craig Mabbitt. It’s an intense number inspired by the comic book heavy metal bounty hunter Lobo.
There’s a lot of variety in the six songs. “Bottom of a Bottle” is anthemic, one of the most accessible and catchy songs Butcher Babies has recorded. “Yorktown” has an industrial, In This Moment vibe, while “Dreaming in Color” is warmer and tailor made for rock radio. Eye for an Eye… is streamlined with zero filler and a plethora of potential hit singles.
…’Til the World’s Blind is a full-length with 14 tracks and more in the vein of previous Butcher Babies material. It has been ten years since their debut album Goliath was released, and they pay homage to that era on “Red Thunder,” with thrash and djent moments along with a melodic chorus. Much of the first half of the album continues in that direction, from the pummeling “Backstreets of Tennessee” to the urgent “Wrong End of the Knife” to the pit ready “Beaver Cage.”
One of the more intriguing songs on the album is “Best Friend,” a cover of Saweetie and Doja Cat’s hip-hop hit single. Butcher Babies metallize it with crunchy riffs and intense harsh vocals. As for why they chose to cover it, Harvey says it’s the perfect anthem to describe her and Heidi Shepherd’s relationship.
“This is the Part” features Chad Gray (Mudvayne, Hellyeah), a mellow ballad with all melodic singing. “Last December” is also a ballad, though more in the power ballad mode with heavier guitars. Tracks like that are contrasted by a lot of heavy, extreme songs such as “Spittin’ Teeth” and “King Pin.” They do spread their creative wings a bit wider on the title track, which has experimental and atmospheric moments without sacrificing any heaviness.
…’Til the World’s Blind is definitely the heavier of the two albums, and more of what Butcher Babies fans probably expect. There are a lot of strong songs, with a bit of filler diluting it just a little. Eye for an Eye… is more accessible, collecting mostly singles. Put the two together and you have a wide-ranging Butcher Babies release with something for everyone.
