I’ve followed Danko Jones long enough to know that subtlety isn’t really the point — volume, attitude, and hooks are. And Leo Rising doesn’t break that streak. The first three singles alone make it clear this is one of their sharpest, most energetic records in years.
“What You Need” kicks the album open like the door of a club that’s already half-on-fire — a pure mission statement. The chorus says it all: “If you want it, you got it, we’re gonna give you what you need.” It’s not metaphor; it’s manifesto. Danko and the band deliver everything rock fans crave — guitars that border on dangerous, drums that feel like body shots, and bass that rattles ribs. The lyrics capture that addictive hunger for sound, that need to feel music physically. It’s classic Danko Jones swagger, tight and loud, but with a conviction that makes it feel newly urgent.
“Diamond in the Rough” follows, featuring legendary guitarist Marty Friedman — one of my favorite guitarists growing up — which was a killer move. Hearing Friedman’s solo slice through the dense production is a thrill — a moment of pure guitar hero worship. Lyrically, it’s a cheeky mix of confidence and chemistry: “Am I your diamond in the rough? I think I got the right stuff.” It nods to the band’s love of classic hard-rock flirtation, somewhere between KISS and Thin Lizzy, yet Danko’s delivery keeps it grounded in modern grit. The Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park–inspired video makes it even better — loud, fun, self-aware, and proudly ridiculous in the best way.
Then comes “Every Day Is Saturday Night.” Even reading the lyrics — “I say Mondays are now Fridays, Tuesdays are my birthday” — you can hear the grin in his voice. It’s a hard-charging celebration of refusing routine, of making every day feel like the weekend. The verses spit self-belief and zero patience for complainers: “I can’t be bothered by anybody who doesn’t wanna go out and get it.” The track practically sweats neon; you can picture it blasting in a late-night Osaka bar, lights flickering off beer bottles, everyone shouting along by the second chorus. It’s the kind of anthem that stretches longer onstage, with Danko milking every last chant from the crowd.
Somewhere in the middle of all this, I caught the title “I Love It Louder” and immediately thought of “Too Loud” MacLeod from the Headpins. Funny thing — the Danko track doesn’t actually sound like Turn It Loud, but the name alone triggered that connection. It made me wonder what a Danko Jones and Darby Mills duet would sound like. Probably dangerous — two powerhouse voices that could melt concrete. It’s a weird daydream, but the kind that comes naturally when you’ve lived through Canadian rock radio and still crank up the volume like it’s 1985.
Overall, Leo Rising feels like a return to form — maybe even a statement that Danko Jones still owns this lane of straight-ahead hard rock. No gimmicks, no overthinking. Just riffs, sweat, and volume. It’s what they do best, and they sound like they’re having a blast doing it.
Full Tracklist & Highlights
Leo Rising is packed with eleven high-energy tracks, each showcasing Danko Jones’ signature blend of riffs, attitude, and infectious hooks.
- What You Need – High-energy opener; sets the tone for the album.
- Diamond In The Rough – Features Marty Friedman guest solo; modern hard-rock anthem.
- Everyday Is Saturday Night – Neon-lit celebration of weekend vibes.
- I Love It Louder – Classic Danko swagger; nostalgic ’80s vibes.
- I’m Going Blind – Punchy mid-album rocker with signature riffs.
- Hot Fox – Tight, energetic track with playful lyrics.
- It’s A Celebration – Infectious, upbeat rock tune.
- Pretty Stuff – Smooth yet punchy, keeps the album momentum.
- Gotta Let It Go – High-voltage energy, true to Danko’s style.
- I Can’t Stop – Relentless grooves, perfect for live shows.
- Too Slick For Love – Album closer; swaggering, full of attitude.
Release Info & 2026 Canadian Tour
Leo Rising arrives November 21 via Sonic Unyon — another fierce chapter for Danko Jones.
Pre-save & Pre-order now: https://dankojones.rpm.link/leorisingWB
Pre-order in Canada: https://sonicunyonshop.com/collections/all/danko-jones?sort_by=created-descending
The band will hit the road across Canada in early 2026:
- Jan 30 – London, ON @ London Music Hall
- Jan 31 – Toronto, ON @ The Axis Club
- Feb 4 – Winnipeg, MB @ The Park Theatre
- Feb 5 – Regina, SK @ Casino Regina
- Feb 6 – Sherwood Park, AB @ Festival Place
- Feb 7 – Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
