Rockers ZZ Top are hard at work recording their first new album in eight years and they've confirmed the long-awaited release should be available by the end of 2011.
The band hasn't released any new material since 2003's Mescalero. They were rumoured to have started recording their 15th studio album back in 2006, but a move from their record label is said to have disrupted the project.
The album was reportedly back on track in 2008, with the musicians announcing a collaboration with famed producer Rick Rubin, but the record never materialised.
Guitarist Billy Gibbons has now confirmed work is definitely underway on the new record and he's convinced it will be on shelves "by the end of the year", according to Billboard.com.
He tells the publication, "(We are) still just making a lot of loud noise. We still pose as interpreters of the blues. We can't invent it; It's already been invented. But we can do it our way... (We) might cover a couple of things."
Gibbons has also confirmed work has started on a ZZ Top tribute album, with artists including Foo Fighters, Nickelback and Kid Rock stepping forward to cover the band's hits for a new CD.