The Gaslight Anthem are "returning to full time status as a band", announcing tour dates, and working on a sixth album

The Gaslight Anthem are returning to active service.

After days of teasing on social media - much of it about anniversary tours or releases - the band have confirmed they're back in proper action.

"Hello everyone, Brian here," the band's frontman writes. "I hate to disappoint you, but I need to inform you that there will not be a 10th anniversary Handwritten Tour, or a documentary… However, I am very pleased to announce to you all that The Gaslight Anthem is returning to full time status as a band.

"We’ll be announcing a lot of tour dates in the next couple of days. We’re also beginning to write new songs for what will be our sixth LP. We’re looking forward to the future and seeing you all again. We want to thank you for staying with us."

The news follows a good period of teasing from the group, who have been stepping up their activity over recent days.

Earlier this month, the band wiped their profile pictures on social media, suggesting something would happen soon.

Over recent days, they started sharing new videos online.

The latest of the clips featured what appears to be a new press photo of the band, one which heralded the final step before today's big announcement.