The Violent Hour‘s second single “Hell Or Hollywood” was shared with the world at large this morning, June 06th. That outfit is fronted by ex-Butcher Babies vocalist Carla Harvey, who also now sings for Lords Of Acid. As with the project’s debut single, Harvey‘s significant other Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera) served as the primary songwriter and producer on this new cut, while also playing almost all of the instruments.
Also like the first single, it seems there’s no shortage of modern day guitar heroes for the band to call on. While The Violent Hour‘s initial bow found them joined by John 5 (Mötley Crüe, ex-Rob Zombie, etc.), this new track features a guest solo from Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne, etc. fame. Harvey weighed in on the inspiration for the song:
“I wanted to write a song that felt the way I did when I first moved to Los Angeles at twenty, like my motorcycle boots hitting the Sunset Strip for the very first time. I had driven across the country with nothing but a paper map, no friends, no plan—just a dream.
I figured I’d survive somehow, and every day was exactly that: survival. There were moments that nearly broke me, followed by the kind of euphoric highs that made it all worth it. That’s what Hell or Hollywood is: the chaos, illusion and grit in perfect juxtaposition. Wouldn’t leave it if you could…”
Benante added:
“Carla grew up loving Guns N’ Roses, and since they were so heavily influenced by Aerosmith, I wanted to write something that paid tribute to both. The riff on ‘Hell or Hollywood’ is the kind that stands on its own — even without vocals, it’s got a swagger to it. And having Zakk Wylde on the solo? He brought this raw, six string grit that rips through the track. You hear it and instantly know—it’s him.”
A debut EP from the band is in the works with more details pending.
