Guitarworld is reporting that during a recent interview with Jim Florentine of That Metal Show, Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth confirmed the band is indeed working on their next studio album. Unfortunately, Roth says the album process will take about 18 months. “I was up at Edward’s house, maybe three days ago — just before I came here to the city — and we’re starting to put music together,” Roth told Florentine.

Roth says the band, which includes longtime members Eddie and Alex Van Halen along with Eddie’s son (and Alex’s nephew) Wolfgang on bass, is always writing and rehearsing despite being off the road. “We’re writing. I write lyrics routinely. It’s a perishable skill. And the band plays together routinely, at least three times a week. They’re up at Ed’s place, routinely.”