Des Rocs’ Bone Throttled Rock ‘n’ Roll Upcoming Album
Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine
For those who need an introduction, picture this: New York, leather clad, sunglasses, hair reminiscent of a greaser, and vocals and a guitar that bleed.
Des Rocs, aka Danny Rocco, has been making a name for himself since 2018 with his EP Let the Vultures In, which established him as a contemporary rock voice. Since then, and many melodies and tours later, Danny is about to present his third studio album, To Hell and Back, through Sumerian Records on June 12.
To Hell and Back album artwork, available June 12 via Sumerian Records.
The album opens with “When the Love is Gone,” which is a definitive rock and roll song that you can’t help but move to. The guitar shines in this one, as well as Danny’s vocals, both of which are an extension of each other. It is heart-pounding and richly toned; a well-done rock song through and through.
However, the two standout tracks are “The Riders of Red Hook (Legends Never Die)” and “Fall Together”, which opens cinematically with a classical guitar and is accompanied by a gorgeous string section. It calls back to those old spaghetti westerns and sweeping landscapes. The track ascends into a gritty rock anthem with gutsy guitar and vocal intensity that is like a pleading, rage-filled love letter. My only critique is that I wish the intro were longer or a reprise; I wanted to live in that sorrowful anticipation a little longer. But what can I say, I might just be a little greedy, and playing the song on repeat will have to suffice.
Delving into “The Riders of Red Hook,” I couldn’t help but be reminded of Queen’s 1980 album The Game. Danny's voice is like an edgier, distorted Freddie Mercury. He balances control and a primal fury that tears out like a caged animal. Arguably, this album is Danny’s best vocal performance to date. “This Land” and “The Juice” maintain the high octane, bluesy grooves to a satisfying degree. There is a polish to the tracks, an artist who has fully come into their own with confidence and making it known.
To Hell and Back is a bone-throttled rock ‘n’ roll marathon of struggle, desire, and perseverance. Each song builds on the other, making you want to sink your teeth into the album in its entirety, but we will have to wait patiently until June. You can pre-save To Hell and Back here!
Des Rocs just concluded his U.S. tour this week. RØKKR was on assignment at his Massachessets stop! You read our show review and see some amazing live photos HERE!
Next up, Danny will be hitting Rock Fest 2026 in July before shipping off to Europe this fall for a ten-date run.