Danko Jones - Leo Rising

November 4, 2025

Toronto’s most determined and hardest‑working power trio, DANKO JONES, let out a mighty roar in Leo Rising, an eleven-track masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock ’n’ roll. The album – produced to red‑hot perfection by long‑time collaborator Eric Ratz – lands on 21 November 2025 via Perception - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (for Canada).

“You know the sound every kid makes with their mouth when they play air guitar?”Danko asks. “That’s still the sound I want to put on every album we make. If we can come close to that sound, that’s an album worth releasing. Eric Ratz produced this album and he knows this about me. I have complete faith in the guitar tones he manages to capture. There weren’t any changes in recording. We still did it all apart from one another, like our previous two albums. JC recorded in Finland, Rich flew in from Prince Edward Island to Toronto to record his drums, and I worked with Eric in Toronto on guitars and vocals.”

Leo Rising is another triumph from one of the most consistent bands in the business. Above all, it showcases the fizzing, electrified chemistry between the three members of this explosive powerhouse. Operating as a stable and harmonious unit since 2013, DANKO JONES join forces on stage every night, united in their love for riffs, melodies, and a raucous, sweat-drenched good fucking time.

“This is the line-up I wish we had from the start,” Danko concludes. “I’m not just saying that because time has already proven it. First and foremost, we all get along with each other onstage and offstage. The mood is always light and nobody’s ego gets in the way. When it comes to writing and recording, we are all on the same page and we service the songs, always!”

Leo Rising may just be the most uplifting and inspirational DANKO JONES album to date. A thunderous display of high octane guitar-driven rock awaits, from the thrill seeking opener "What You Need" to the blues infused seductive delight, "Too Slick For Love". Also lying in wait on Leo Rising is the power-pop hit "Everyday Is Saturday Night" which brings the party vibes with a catchy lyrical hook you'll find yourself repeating everyday of the week. "It's A Celebration" sees the energy continue flowing with fiery rhythms across the dynamic track. Unafraid to reveal a grittier side as the distortion is turned up a notch, the sleaze-metal leaning "Pretty Stuff" is followed by the edgy "Gotta Let It Go".

DANKO JONES are:
Danko Jones | vocals, guitars
John Calabrese | bass
Rich Knox | drums

DANKO JONES Pay Homage to KISS on New Video Single “Diamond In The Rough” feat. Marty Friedman (MEGADETH)

October 11, 2025

Toronto’s hardest-hitting rock ’n’ roll trio DANKO JONES are back with their explosive new single “Diamond In The Rough”, the latest cut from their upcoming album Leo Rising — out November 21, 2025, via Perception – A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (Canada)!

The track is a high-voltage homage to classic KISS, supercharged by a blazing guest solo from guitar legend Marty Friedman (MEGADETH, CACOPHONY).

The band comments: “Channeling early Kiss, this is a favorite of mine, especially with the one and only Marty Friedman on lead guitar!”

“Diamond In The Rough” channels the raw, unfiltered energy of 1970s arena rock. Friedman’s fiery fretwork ignites the song, adding his unmistakable touch of guitar heroism that takes the band’s signature power-trio sound into overdrive.

Listen / Download: https://dankojones.rpm.link/diamondPR

Watch the official video for “Diamond In The Rough” below.

Following the adrenaline-fueled singles “What You Need”, “Everyday Is Saturday Night,” and today’s release of “Diamond In The Rough”, DANKO JONES‘ forthcoming studio offering Leo Rising promises to be a masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock — produced to perfection by longtime collaborator Eric Ratz. Packed with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, and infectious hooks, the album reaffirms that DANKO JONES are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

John Calabrese laid down bass tracks from Finland, Rich Knox flew to Toronto to record drums, and Danko worked with producer Eric Ratz in the same city to capture vocals and guitars. Despite recording separately once again, the band’s chemistry is unmistakable. The result is pure DANKO JONES: tight, loud, and built for the stage.

Leo Rising may be their most electrifying and uplifting record yet — a jolt of high-octane rock made for packed clubs, open highways, and everything in between!

Pre-order Leo Rising and exclusive vinyl editions here:
https://dankojones.rpm.link/leorisingPR

About DANKO JONES
Every time someone announces the death of rock ‘n’ roll, Canada’s most incendiary power trio roll with the punches and keep rocking with maximum commitment to the cause. DANKO JONES are a three-piece rock ‘n’ roll band from Toronto. They never sleep. They sweat blood. And they are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

On duty since 1996, these unstoppable road-hogs have devoted their lives to rousing the people with blistering, no-bullshit, all-action rock. They have rallied a global army of rock-hungry fans, and blown them away with a steady stream of explosive, anthem-packed albums and an absurd number of live shows. From early underground smashes like We Sweat Blood [2003] and Sleep Is The Enemy[2006], to the band’s recent, triumphant triumvirate of A Rock Supreme [2019], Power Trio [2021] and Electric Sounds [2023], DANKO JONES have been a relentless force for rock ‘n’ roll good, both in the studio and on the road. And they have absolutely no intention of stopping.

“You know what? I like the routine of recording, touring, writing, and repeat,” states singer/guitarist, Danko Jones himself. “I can do that till I’m dead! 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! Since 'Electric Sounds' we’ve been touring and touring. We managed to play in Mexico and Greece for the first time, and we even played Prince Edward Island, a province in Canada we’d never been to before. Other than that, it’s been a life of gigs and writing more songs to play more gigs!”

Proving that their time was well-spent, Danko, bassist John Calabrese and drummer Rich Knox have conjured yet another blazing banquet of nourishing rock goodness on their 12th studio record, due for release later this year.

DANKO JONES are:
Danko Jones | vocals, guitars
John Calabrese | bass
Rich Knox | drums

DANKO JONES - ANNOUNCE 12th STUDIO ALBUM LEO RISING

June 18, 2025

Toronto’s hardest‑working power trio, DANKO JONES, roar back with Leo Rising, an eleven-track masterclass in sweat-soaked, no-nonsense rock ’n’ roll. The album – produced to red‑hot perfection by long‑time collaborator Eric Ratz – lands on 21 November 2025 via Perception - A Division of Reigning Phoenix Music and Sonic Unyon (for Canada). Pre‑orders, limited‑edition vinyl variants, and special merch bundles are available today at https://dankojones.rpm.link/leorisingPR

Following the rabid reception to opening salvo "What You Need" and party‑starting anthem "Everyday Is Saturday Night”, Leo Rising turns the dial past eleven with razor‑sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms and fist‑pumping hooks. Guitar legend Marty Friedman (MEGADETH, CACOPHONY) makes a blistering guest appearance on future single “Diamond in the Rough,” while other stand‑outs – from the priapic swagger of “Hot Fox” to the roof‑rattling “It’s a Celebration” – prove DANKO JONES are keeping rock alive by doing it better than anyone else.

“I like the routine of recording, touring, writing, repeat - I can do that till I’m dead,” grins front‑man Danko Jones and adds “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! Leo Rising is another serving of peerless hard‑rock: bass, drums, guitar, vocals, no frills. Roll the windows down and crank it.”

John Calabrese laid down bass tracks from Finland, Rich Knox flew to Toronto to record drums, and Danko worked with producer Eric Ratz in the same city to capture vocals and guitars. Despite recording separately once again, the band’s chemistry is unmistakable. The result is pure DANKO JONES: tight, loud, and built for the stage. Leo Rising may be their most electrifying and uplifting record yet — a jolt of high-octane rock made for packed clubs, open highways, and everything in between.