DEF LEPPARD Return with New Single “Rejoice”: A Powerful Rock Manifesto and the First Step Toward a Future Album
British rock legends DEF LEPPARD have unveiled their new single “Rejoice”, which has quickly become one of the most notable music releases of the year’s beginning. The track is now available on all major digital platforms and marks the band’s first truly new original release in quite some time, immediately drawing attention from fans and leading music media alike.
The new DEF LEPPARD track is not tied to a specific album and was conceived as a standalone statement. According to the band members, “Rejoice” was born from the idea of overcoming adversity — a story about a person who has reached rock bottom and finds the strength to rise again. The song’s lyrics reflect inner struggle and emotional transformation, making the message both timely and universal.
The musical foundation of the track was created by guitarist Phil Collen, who had been holding onto the main riff for some time. When vocalist Joe Elliott introduced the lyrics and vocal melody, the elements came together almost instantly. An early version of the song featured a “tribal”-style drum loop, later refined with the involvement of longtime collaborator and recording engineer Ronan McHugh, resulting in a heavier and more forceful overall sound.
As a result, “Rejoice” sounds tougher and more energetic than many of the band’s recent releases. It is a direct, confident rock track with a powerful rhythm, unmistakable vocals, and that signature arena-sized presence long associated with DEF LEPPARD. Music critics have already noted that the song successfully balances the band’s classic sound with a more modern production approach.
The release of “Rejoice” naturally follows a series of recent projects by the band. In 2024, DEF LEPPARD released the original track Just Like ’73 featuring Tom Morello, and in early 2025 they shared a cover of Stand By Me, with proceeds donated to charity. The group’s most recent studio album, Diamond Star Halos, was released in 2022 and received strong critical acclaim.
Importantly, the new single is not a one-off experiment. Members of DEF LEPPARD have previously confirmed that they are working on a new studio album and plan to release new songs gradually rather than waiting for a full-length release. In this context, “Rejoice” stands as the first confident step in the band’s next creative chapter.
With this release, DEF LEPPARD once again demonstrate that they remain a relevant force in rock music, preserving their signature identity while avoiding stagnation. “Rejoice” is not just a new single, but a reminder of why the band’s name still holds a special place in the history of the genre.
