Chicago punk pioneers Naked Raygun today announced their first new album in 31 years.
Over The Overlords will be released on Audioplatter on October 15. It is their first studio album since 1990’s Raygun…Naked Raygun.
It’s also the band’s first release since the sad passing of bassist Pierre Kezdy last year. Fans can pre-order the record here.
Chicago pioneers
Naked Raygun are one of the most important bands in the history of Chicago punk rock, and were credited with creating the ‘Chicago sound’.
Artists such as Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters and Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio and Blink 182 have cited them as an influence.
They were formed in 1980 by Santiago Durango (guitar), Marko Pezzati (bass) and, soon thereafter, Jeff Pezatti (vocals).
Pezzati has been the sole constant member through multiple personnel changes.
The band was prolific from 1980-1992, releasing five studio albums: Throb Throb (1985), All Rise (1986), Jettison (1988), Understand? (1989), and Raygun… Naked Raygun (1990).
Reunion shows
After disbanding in 1991, Naked Raygun played two reunion shows in 1997, which was released as the live album Free Shit!
The band then reunited for good in 2006, releasing a series of 7in singles between 2009-2011.
Now, 15 years after their resurrection, their first studio long-player in 31 years is set for release.
Final record
Sadly, it is the final record featuring longtime bassist Kezdy, who died from cancer in late 2020 after completion of recording.
The LP version of Over The Overlords contains 11 new songs, while the CD will have two bonus tracks.
Naked Raygun’s current line-up consists of Pezzati, drummer Eric Spicer and guitarist Bill Stephens, with Fritz Doreza stepping in on bass.
Thirty-one years is a long time in between albums for a band, but it’s safe to say the wait will be worth it.
