Chicago Punk band The Effigies have released the first single and video from their upcoming sixth album, Fire Aim Ready. The new track “Hallucinations“ is their first release featuring new lead vocalist Geoff Sabin, who took over following the tragic death of founding lead singer John Kezdy in 2023.
The new album was recorded at Million Yen Studios in their hometown, and was produced, engineered and mixed by their guitarist Andy Gerber. The album is being released on 12” LP vinyl, CD, digital download and streaming services by the Chicago independent label Pravda Records on October 23, 2026.
Following writing sessions between live dates in late 2025, the album was recorded quickly to capture the moment, and it also includes a cover song from the Stranglers as a nod to the band’s early influences. This is the band’s first release since Burned in 2024, the last album to feature Kezdy.
Formed in 1980, The Effigies are recognized as one of Chicago’s pioneering Punk bands. Their early performances in small Chicago clubs energized a local community of fans and helped establish the city as a notable hub for Punk and alternative music. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, The Effigies shared stages with many prominent acts, including local bands Naked Raygun and Big Black, as well as national acts The The, Circle Jerks, Black Flag, The Cramps and PIL.
Notable record engineer Steve Albini writes:
The Effigies were absolutely essential to development of a healthy punk scene in Chicago. Between them and Naked Raygun in the early 80s they basically kept the scene going until it developed momentum beyond them. The Effigies were a moving force during a crucial and exhilarating time.
In 2023, the band emerged from a period of relative inactivity to record a new album. They teamed with Andy Gerber at Million Yen Studios, who also produced the 2007 release Reside, and would go on to take over lead guitar duties with the band. The tragic death of founding member John Kezdy in August of 2023 marked a deeply emotional turning point for the band.
In honor of his legacy and last works, Burned was released in October of 2024 on BFD Records followed by reissues of 1984’s For Ever Grounded and 1985’s Fly on a Wire. To support the album releases and continue moving the legacy forward, the band enlisted a new vocalist, Geoff Sabin. Their return to the stage has featured festival sets at RiotFest, Rebellion, and PunkRockBowling, a regional tour with The Black Crowes, and coast to coast shows.
The Effigies are poised for a new chapter while maintaining the spirit and integrity that Kezdy helped establish. As of 2026, The Effigies are touring extensively, with plans to continue reaching audiences worldwide.
