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

Rock Metal Machine
Oct 10
2 min read

Photo credit Jon Usual

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

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

Stylized gold lion with ornate swirls on black. Text: "Danko Jones" and "Leo Rising." Bold, dynamic design with a powerful mood.

Leo Rising - Track List

1 - What You Need

2 - Diamond In The Rough

3 - Everyday Is Saturday Night

4 - I Love It Louder

5 - I’m Going Blind

6 - Hot Fox

7 - It’s A Celebration

8 - Pretty Stuff

9 - Gotta Let It go

10 - I Can’t Stop

11 - Too Slick For Love

To celebrate the release, the band will hit the road this winter for the “Danko Jones Is What You Need” European Tour 2025, with TUK SMITH & THE RESTLESS HEARTS supporting on most dates:

19.11.2025 FI Helsinki – Tavastia

21.11.2025 SE Stockholm – Münchenbryggeriet

22.11.2025 NO Oslo - Vulkan Arena

25.11.2025 DE Hamburg - Markthalle

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