DANKO JONES RETURN WITH ‘LEO RISING’, A FEROCIOUS HARD ROCK OPUS!

Posted on by Oran


Few bands embody the no-nonsense spirit of rock ’n’ roll quite like DANKO JONES.

Now, after decades of relentless touring and riff-driven mayhem, the Toronto power trio are set to drop their latest full-length assault, Leo Rising, on 21st November 2025 via Perception, A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music, with Canadian distribution handled by Sonic Unyon.

Clocking in at eleven tracks of raw, unfiltered, sweat-drenched energy, Leo Rising is more than just a new chapter, it’s a mission statement.

Produced by longtime collaborator Eric Ratz, the album captures the band in peak form, with all the punch, swagger and volume fans have come to expect. From the explosive opener “What You Need” to the raucous celebration of “Everyday Is Saturday Night,” the new LP wastes no time in cranking the volume and keeping it there.

I like the routine of recording, touring, writing, repeat, I can do that till I’m dead,” says frontman Danko Jones with trademark confidence. “It may sound boring, but it’s so hard for a band to achieve. I don’t take this lightly. Also, it’s a page out of the Motörhead handbook, so it works!

And work it does. Leo Rising is a record built for movement,whether it’s the moshpit, the motorway, or your living room floor. It’s full of unfiltered rock energy, no filler, no frills, just bass, drums, guitar, and vocals.

One of the album’s major talking points is the blistering guest appearance by former Megadeth and Cacophony shredder Marty Friedman on “Diamond In The Rough”, a future single that’s already got fans salivating. Elsewhere, the band lean into their signature brand of fast, fun, and ferociously catchy riff-rock with tracks like “Hot Fox,” the aptly titled “It’s A Celebration,” and the anthemic “I Love It Louder.”

Recording the album was no small feat, with each member contributing parts from different parts of the world. Bassist John Calabrese tracked his parts in Finland, drummer Rich Knox flew into Toronto to lay down the rhythm section, and Danko teamed up with Ratz to complete vocals and guitars in the same city. Yet, despite the physical distance, Leo Rising sounds more cohesive and dialled-in than ever, a testament to the group’s airtight chemistry and clear creative vision.

It’s loud. It’s sharp. It’s made for the stage. Whether you’re a long-time devotee or a newcomer drawn in by the promise of honest, hard-hitting rock, Leo Rising is a must-listen.

Pre-orders, limited edition vinyl variants, and exclusive merchandise are available now via this link.

Leo Rising – Track Listing:

What You Need
Diamond In The Rough (feat. Marty Friedman)
Everyday Is Saturday Night
I Love It Louder
I’m Going Blind
Hot Fox
It’s A Celebration
Pretty Stuff
Gotta Let It Go
I Can’t Stop
Too Slick For Love

DANKO JONES prove once again that rock isn’t just alive, it’s thriving, snarling, and built to last. Turn it up.

Oran O’Beirne

www.overdrive.ie 2025