Candlelight Records today confirms two American shows for legendary black metal band, EMPEROR. The announcement follows recent confirmations of European shows that the band will perform in 2006.

EMPEROR, featuring vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn, guitarist Samoth, and drummer Trym, disbanded prior to release of their 2001 album Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise. The record, an essential release for Candlelight’s first year of US operations, remains one of the label’s top selling US releases. In late 2004, Candlelight reissued each of EMPEROR’s four genre-defining albums - Wrath of the Tyrants, In the Nightside Eclipse, Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk and IX Equilibrium. Each album reworked with additional bonus footage and material unavailable previously on both European and US-licensed versions.

“Wrath of the Tyrants,” being part one, “includes very rare, exclusive footage of pre-Nightside rehearsals plus live outtakes from our first tour (in support of CRADLE OF FILTH, 1993),” says guitarist Samoth. “In the Nightside Eclipse,” part two, “includes edited material from a live show in Oslo for the song “Towards the Pantheon,” as well as various other clips from live recordings in 1997.”

Forming in 1991, EMPEROR recordings have sold hundreds of thousands worldwide. Their impact on black/extreme metal ranks them as one of the genre’s most influential. Respected by musician, fan and critic alike, EMPEROR recorded their final album, Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise, in 2001, shortly thereafter announcing they were disbanding (with Samoth and Trym continuing on in new band ZYKLON; Ihsahn contributing to his ongoing band project PECCATUM). Kerrang’s Dom Lawson called Prometheus, “a staggering masterwork; a fitting testament to the musical genius.”

Confirmed shows are noted below. Information regarding ticket on sale dates will follow.

Friday, July 14 - BB Kings Blues Club, New York NY
Sunday, July 16 - Key Club, Los Angeles CA