Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott has revealed exciting details about the band’s highly anticipated follow-up to 2022’s “Diamond Star Halos.” The new record will arrive in early 2027 and feature some of the most ambitious material in the group’s four-decade history. During an interview, Elliott discussed the creative process behind the upcoming album, which is being actively recorded in a makeshift studio set up in the basement of a Las Vegas casino during the band’s days off from their February residency.
The single “Rejoice” serves as the lead-off track from the new album. It was released strategically to coincide with the band’s Vegas residency earlier this year. Elliott explained the band’s approach to the recording sessions, noting that they seized the opportunity to capture new material during their downtime. “The single is the lead-off track from the new album. The song is called ‘Rejoice.’ We released it in time for the Vegas residency. We did a Vegas residency in February, and we wanted to play a new song, so it made sense to actually put it out,” he stated. The band continues to work on the album while maintaining their touring schedule. They plan to finalize the record by the end of summer for its early 2027 release.
Elliott revealed that the band has amassed approximately 18 songs during the recording sessions. Only 10 or 11 will make the final cut. The selection process reflects the band’s commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring that each track represents their best work. Among the standout material, Elliott highlighted two particularly notable compositions: the fastest song Def Leppard has ever written and an extraordinarily ambitious, bombastic track that pushes the boundaries of their typical sound. “We’ve written the fastest song we’ve ever done. And we’ve also written the most ridiculously over-the-top, pretentious, massive, big, kind of bombastic song that we’ve ever written, too, and lots of stuff in between,” Elliott explained.
The upcoming album represents a significant creative departure for the legendary hard rock band. It showcases an eclectic range of musical directions rather than adhering to a single sonic theme. Elliott emphasized the diversity of the material, suggesting that listeners may be surprised by the band’s willingness to explore multiple stylistic territories. “It’s very varied. It’s a very eclectic collection of tunes. A lot of people will be shocked, I think, because of the direction that we’re going in, ’cause it’s not one direction. It’s 10 different directions,” he noted. This approach demonstrates Def Leppard’s continued evolution as artists, refusing to be confined by the expectations of their legacy while maintaining the quality standards that have defined their career.
The timing of the album’s release carries additional significance. 2027 marks the band’s 50th anniversary as a group, a milestone that coincides with the record’s early release window. This convergence of events positions the new album as a landmark release in Def Leppard’s storied history, potentially serving as a statement of artistic vitality and creative reinvention. The band’s commitment to finishing the album by summer’s end, despite their active touring schedule, underscores their dedication to delivering the record on schedule and maintaining momentum heading into their anniversary year.
