– Legendary guitarist **Jake E. Lee** is officially back in the spotlight, not with a solo release but with a brand-new **Red Dragon Cartel** album, set to arrive this **January 2026**. While fans have long hoped for new music from the former **Ozzy Osbourne** axeman, Lee has confirmed that **his full creative energy is devoted to his band**, Red Dragon Cartel, whose self-titled debut in 2014 marked his celebrated return to music after years of silence.
This upcoming release will be the band’s **third studio album** and is already **available for pre-order on iTunes**, generating major buzz among fans eager to hear Lee’s iconic riffs once again — even as he confronts serious physical challenges.
Red Dragon Cartel: Lee’s Main Focus
While Jake E. Lee has released solo work in the past, he clarified in a recent interview that **Red Dragon Cartel is where his heart and energy lie right now**. The band, known for its blend of hard rock grit and bluesy swagger, has become a platform for Lee to explore both new musical territory and the raw, expressive guitar work that made him a household name in the ‘80s.
> “This isn’t just a side project anymore,” Lee said. “Red Dragon Cartel is my band. This new record is everything we’ve been building toward — and I think fans will really feel that.”
Though the album will feature original material, Lee has teased the possibility of revisiting his Ozzy Osbourne catalog, particularly the fan-favorite **”Ultimate Sin.”** The track, known for its searing solos and dark glam-metal atmosphere, is one of the standout cuts from the 1986 album of the same name — which Lee co-wrote and performed on.
However, he admits that performing those high-octane tracks is not as easy as it once was.
> “I’ve thought about doing ‘Ultimate Sin’ for this record, maybe a fresh spin on it,” Lee said. “But with my arthritis and what I’ve gone through, songs like that — and ‘Bark at the Moon’ — they’re a real challenge now.”
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Recovery from a Shocking Incident
Lee’s struggle is more than just aging bones. In **October 2024**, he was **shot multiple times** outside his home in Las Vegas while walking his dog in the early hours of the morning. The terrifying incident left him with bullet wounds in the **forearm, foot, and back**, including a broken rib and lung damage. Miraculously, none of the injuries were fatal, and his dog was unharmed.
> “I try not to dwell on it,” he said in a recent interview. “The world felt darker for a while, but I’ve worked hard to get back to a place where I can enjoy it again — especially through music.”
Authorities believe the incident was **random**, and the suspects have since been **apprehended and are awaiting sentencing**. Lee’s fans, friends, and former collaborators — including Ozzy Osbourne — have expressed their shock and support, with many praising his resilience.
A Battle with Arthritis
Long before the shooting, Lee was already battling a major physical obstacle: **crippling arthritis in his wrist**. Doctors revealed that he had **no cartilage left**, causing bone-on-bone pain whenever he moved it. That condition had kept him from playing guitar regularly for years, forcing him into rehab and stretching exercises just to build his strength back.
> “It’s been a journey,” Lee said. “There are days when my fingers don’t want to cooperate, but I’m pushing through. Music’s always worth the pain.”
The Road Ahead: A Testament to Grit
Despite the intense physical and emotional hurdles, Jake E. Lee is focused on making this next Red Dragon Cartel album a **powerful statement of perseverance, passion, and pure rock spirit**. The guitarist’s ability to rise from near tragedy and return to the studio speaks volumes about his character and his love for his craft.
The album is expected to blend classic hard rock with fresh ideas, showcasing Lee’s evolution as both a guitarist and a survivor.
> “I might not play like I did in ‘83,” Lee said with a laugh, “but I’ve still got stories to tell — and a guitar to tell them with.”
Fans can pre-order the new Red Dragon Cartel album now on iTunes**, and keep an eye out for early singles and music videos expected to drop later this year. One thing’s for sure — Jake E. Lee is not just back… he’s roaring.
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