Danko Jones. (CP/HO, RonBoudreau.com)

TORONTO (CP) - To say Danko Jones has had a tumultuous relationship with Canada would be an understatement.

A couple of years ago, as the outfit was being hailed as one of the country's most promising rock acts, they were inexplicably dropped by their label, Universal Canada. And they're often overlooked when the local music press raves about how well Canadian bands are doing internationally, despite Jones's flourishing overseas success.

But the band's lack of success at home could change this year.

Danko Jones has found friends in Nickelback, who took the Toronto trio on a sold-out cross-Canada stadium tour this past month, exposing the brash punksters to a new audience.

"We're a band that you sometimes have to search for in Canada," said front man Danko Jones, whose band is named after himself.

Now armed with a new album, Sleep Is The Enemy, the outfit - rounded out by John Calabrese on bass and Dan Cornelius on drums - has the potential to finally breakout in their home country.

"It'd be nice if we had a bigger profile in Canada . . . I'd be lying if I said I didn't care," Jones said.

The band has enjoyed steady growth since forming 10 years ago. In 1999, their Love Is Bold single earned them a Juno nomination and an opening slot for Beck at Maple Leaf Gardens.

By 2001, a rabid following was brewing in countries like Sweden, France, Scandinavia and Germany.

And in the past five years, the band has completed about a dozen European tours, had an opening slot with the Rolling Stones, and Jones even hosts a weekly radio show out of Stockholm called The Magical World Of Rock With Danko Jones.

Yet back home, they've yet to get their due.

But the new album, out this week, is sure to strike a chord with youth. It's a more pop-driven punk record than the group's previous two efforts, with loud rambunctious riffs, catchy hooks, and a sexy, irreverent cut-loose attitude.

Jones insists he's not bitter about being ignored at home in the past and he's ready to move on.

"There's little to be angry about. We've got a wicked record for everyone to listen to. We're on a wicked tour right now," he said.

The temptation to stay in Europe where the concerts sell out has been strong. Until the recent Nickelback tour, the band hadn't toured Canada in close to three years, with the exception of a show here and there.

"We play where we're wanted," explained Jones.

"Being a band playing in Canada we've been met with a lot of closed doors. We've been told that we can't write a song. We've been told that we'll never have a record deal. Many of those people who've told us that have tried to get their bands to open for us, which is all fine and dandy."

Jones said he's willing to let bygones be bygones and start anew.

"At this point in time it's all water under the bridge for me. I'm just happy at what we're doing and that we're able to do it on our own terms," he said.

"I'm really proud of what we've been able to do so far," he said. "We've named our records after our work ethics. Sleep Is The Enemy, We Sweat Blood - that's how we roll."

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On the Net: www.dankojones.com