Album Review: Danko Jones Roars Back With LEO RISING
–by Robert Wilkins
Danko Jones, the powerhouse guitarist and vocalist from Toronto, Canada, has been delivering high-voltage rock since 1996. Alongside John Calabrese on bass and Rich Knox on drums, Danko has built one of the most consistently hard-hitting bands in modern rock. Counting EPs, compilations, live albums, solo projects, and one-offs, Leo Rising (out November 21st) marks the band’s 24th release since 1998 — a testament to Danko’s relentless drive and passion for music. He’s also contributed as a writer and guest musician on numerous projects, proving that “busy” doesn’t even begin to describe him.
This band has never missed the mark, and Leo Rising is no exception. If you crave high-octane, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll, this record gives you exactly “What You Need”. True to form, it’s full throttle from start to finish — no brakes, no filler, just pure energy.
Danko’s riffs are razor-sharp, his solos precise, and his vocals command attention. The rhythm section locks in perfectly — solid, straightforward, and tight — providing the perfect backbone for every track.
You can feel the energy radiating from “Everyday Is Saturday Night.” It’s a party anthem built for the stage, bursting with swagger and spirit. With its chant of “Monday’s are my Friday’s / Tuesday’s are my birthday / every day is Saturday night,” it’s hard not to grin and move. If you can’t party with this guy, you probably can’t party at all.
By the time “Love It Louder” kicks in, it’s clear where the album is headed. With its chant-along hook — “You love it loud / you love it loud / well, love it louder!” — Danko doubles down on everything that makes his music great. This isn’t tired “dad rock.” It’s fresh, fierce, and unapologetically alive.
Not every track sticks to the party, though. “I’m Going Blind” digs a little deeper, with Danko reflecting on lessons learned the hard way: “If hindsight is 20/20 / I’m going blind.” It’s a line that hits home — honest and relatable.
“Gotta Let It Go” keeps that reflective tone but channels it into motivation: “Don’t bother looking back / don’t stop / follow your intuition / make the right decision / you gotta let it go.” It’s the kind of message that hits just as hard as the guitars — positive, direct, and full of life.
Let’s be clear: Danko Jones didn’t reinvent the rock ’n’ roll wheel — they just perfected it. Leo Rising is straightforward, no-nonsense hard rock, delivered with the precision and passion that have defined the band for nearly three decades.
Danko Jones remains one of the hardest-working bands in the business, consistently churning out great records and touring relentlessly. They might not be a household name yet, but they absolutely deserve to be.
Support this band — and others who’ve earned it. Don’t just stream a track or two; buy the album, catch a live show, and feel that energy for yourself. With Danko Jones, a good time is guaranteed.
Leo Rising – Track List
- What You Need
- Diamond In The Rough
- Everyday Is Saturday Night
- 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
Remaining Tour Dates for 2025
“Danko Jones Is What You Need” Tour 2025 – Europe
w/ TUK SMITH & THE RESTLESS HEARTS
19.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia
21.11.2025 SE Stockholm – Münchenbryggeriet
22.11.2025 NO Oslo – Vulkan Arena
26.11.2025 DE Osnabrück – Rosenhof
27.11.2025 LU Luxembourg – Den Atelier
28.11.2025 NL Amsterdam – Melkweg
29.11.2025 UK London – The Underworld Camden
30.11.2025 UK Porthcawl – Planet Rockstock *
03.12.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix (Main Hall)
04.12.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo
06.12.2025 IT Milan – Legend Club
08.12.2025 DE Mannheim – Alte Feuerwache
09.12.2025 AT Salzburg – Rockhouse
10.12.2025 DE Munich – Backstage (Werk)
11.12.2025 DE Cologne – Carlswerk Victoria
12.12.2025 DE Berlin – Astra
13.12.2025 DE Hamburg – Docks
* DANKO JONES only