Van Halen
A Different Kind Of Truth
Interscope Records
07 February 2012

What they’re saying:
**UPDATED** Of course, David Lee Roth went and confirmed the album title mere hours after we originally posted this. CHEERS, DAVE.

OK, so this Van Halen records was in our 2011 Album Previews, but with a likely release date of February 2012 you’ve got to admit we weren’t that far off the mark. Given the importance of this album – it being their first with David Lee Roth in 27 years – maybe it’s a good idea they took their time with it. That’s not to say that there aren’t a few people that’ve heard it already – Alter Bridge’s Mark Tremonti was apparently invited to 5150 Studios to watch the band perform the record in its entirety without vocals. Lucky bugger:

“I was in Los Angeles and Wolfgang invited me to his dad’s house, and I got to go to 5150 studios and watch Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang play their new record from front to back. So I was one of the only people who have heard the new Van Halen. It was incredible.”

Admittedly nothing official has been confirmed, RE: cover art, but an of image of a New York Central System train was projected to thousands amassed in Times Square on New Year’s Eve with the Van Halen logo and the date 2.7.12 over it – go figure. What baffles us is that this was shown during Justin Bieber’s performance at the Dick Clark ‘New Year’s Rockin Eve’ bash. Is Eddie back on the sauce again?

Thrash Hits verdict:
It’s clear the band aren’t rushing this one, which can only be a good thing. Think about how great the first six Van Halen records are – that is what this record has to live up to, which is no easy feat. The band have confirmed they will start touring this year, which means Download Festival booker, Andy Copping, may finally be getting what he’s coveted for so long. Van Halen to headline Download Festival 2013? Fingers crossed.

Guitar solo potential: 6/6 (it’s Eddie Van Halen, FFS!)

Watch Diamond Dave showing that he’s still got the moves: