Norway’s EMPEROR have announced a return to the United States for three encore performances this spring. The band reunited last year for four reunion performances in the U.S. and to headline the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany.

Guitarist Samoth explains the situation: “We have made a decision to return to the US for a few additional shows. This time Chicago is also put on the map. The shows last summer were very successful and we had an amazing turn out and support from all the fans. It was also a bit stressful because of the embassy hassle that we unfortunately had to endure. So we feel a few more shows are due and this time, all visas are in order and the band will appear in its full command. See you all soon!”

Ticket on-sale information will be noted shortly. Here are the confirmed dates:

May 30 - The Metro, Chicago IL June 1 - BB King Blues Club, New York NY June 3 - Key Club, Los Angeles, CA

In release news, EMPEROR’s guitar tabulature book, Scattered Ashes: A Decade of Emperial Wrath will finally be released in the US on Tuesday, January 23. The limited edition 132-page oversized book (with bonus CD) features a foreword and transcriptions by vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn. The book contains original tabs for thirteen EMPEROR classics featured on the band’s 2003 2-cd compilation of the same name; a collection of previously unavailable recordings, live and studio/demo outtakes. The book is available via Candlelight Records’ official webstores (in the US www.candlelightrecordsusa.com; Europe www.candlelightrecords.co.uk).