EMPEROR Inching Closer to the U.S

Philadelphia: Emperor's return to the US for additional performances in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles draws closer as the band's recently released limited-edition tabulature book continues to be a top seller at Candlelight's official online shop, located at www.candlelightrecordsusa.com. Scattered Ashes: A Decade of Emperial Wrath is an impressive 132-page oversized book containing official transcriptions (and bonus cd) of thirteen Emperor classics. All documented by vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn, the book includes liner notes from Ihsahn and features an extensive array of photographs throughout the band's ten-year career.

The three exclusive performances will include guitarist Samoth who was unable to travel with the band for last summer's performances due to visa issues. Samoth notes, “itâs been nearly a year since the shows last summer. We have done several really memorable shows in Europe since the US shows and Iâm truly excited about Emperorâs return to the US. The visa problems last year were a bummer, no doubt, but also an interesting turn of events. And even though the US dates last year were a success with massive support from our ever loyal fan base, we felt that we should return again as a full band, to complete what we set out to do. These shows are a bonus for all of us. See you soon!”

Prior to Emperor's performances, Zyklon (featuring Emperor drummer Trym, guitarist Samoth and live Emperor bassist and Myrkskog vocalist Secthdamon with guitarist Destructhor) will headline the Maryland Death Festival on May 27. It will be the band's first performance in the US since their only American tour to date, the 2001 Extreme Music For Extreme People tour featuring headliners Morbid Angel and Deicide. Tickets and additional information about the festival can be found at www.supremebrutality.com.

Candlelight Records confirms showcase support performances from Texas-based Averse Sefira in New York (the band recently completing a full US tour alongside labelmates 1349). The trio are currently preparing to enter the studio this fall to record their label debut. Montana-based Martriden will make their debut at both Chicago and Los Angeles performances. Martriden's self-titled debut ep will be released June 5 with their full-length debut expected for early 2008.