In 2010 Forest Swords, the musical guise of Matt Barnes, introduced his unique and highly evocative sound with the release of his debut EP Dagger Paths. Developing a word of mouth, cult following, the release was critically lauded upon, landing positions on numerous 'Best of' lists that year. Heralded as an artist on the rise with big things ahead of him, Forest Swords took his newfound interest and for very personal reasons did what many artists wouldn't have done in his position; he practically vanished.