***ASH BORER has become well known as a power in the US metal scene in a relatively short period of time. Beginning with their split LP with Fell Voices in early 2010 released on vinyl by Gilead Media/Eternal Warfare, self-titled LP on Pesanta Urfolk in late 2011, and most recently their critically lauded full-length CD, Cold of Ages, on Profound Lore in 2012, Ash Borer have gone through a gradual evolution over the course of these releases. All the while tightening their sound and expanding their scope. On their self-titled LP Ash Borer began experimenting with noise and ambient components after the addition of a permanent fifth member. On Cold of Ages, and through live shows, this experimentation developed into an integral aspect of Ash Borer's sound, always providing great layering to music that was already very atmospheric. On Bloodlands the band travels further into this territory, exploring greater textures and pushing the ambience and atmosphere even further to the forefront of their songs. That amplified textural component is coupled with the band's ever-increasing precision to jointly form some of their most cohesive yet devastatingly bleak songs to date. The B-side rages through its nearly 20-minute run time at a more mid-tempo pace, showing Ash Borer exploring new territory in their songwriting range and sonic dynamics without losing their trademark intensity.