Van Halen's long awaited new studio album is completely finished and expected to hit stories in February of 2012, according to an inside source. The new record, the band's first since 1998's 'III,' and first with original lead singer David Lee Roth since 1984's '1984,' has been the source of much speculation over the past few months.

No title or tracklist has been revealed for the new album yet, which is described, similarly as by other people who have heard it, as a modern-day revisiting of the classic Van Halen sound. The source said a record company had yet to be chosen, with two unnamed major labels reportedly bidding for the right to work with the band.

The only official sign of life from within the Van Halen camp has been the re-emergence, albeit briefly, of recent birthday boy Roth on Twitter and Facebook. However, all he's said so far is 'Get Ready.' (We're ready, already!)

Meanwhile, Van Halen's original bassist Michael Anthony and second lead singer Sammy Hagar continue their busy streak, preparing to hit the road in a couple of weeks to promote 'III,' the second album from their current band Chickenfoot. They set the bar high for their former bandmates with songs like 'Dubai Blues,' and we're very excited to see how Eddie & company respond to the challenge.

More From Ultimate Classic Rock