Forest Swords (UK)

Matthew Edward Barnes is a British artist, producer, and composer from the Wirral Peninsula near Liverpool. Active since 2009, Barnes has developed a unique sound language that blends elements of ambient, dub, hip-hop, and minimalism, creating evocative and meaningful atmospheres. Forest Swords’s music is deeply influenced by the landscapes of his homeland: windy coasts, forests, and industrial ruins are reflected in compositions that evoke a sense of melancholy and mystery. Through the use of distorted guitars, manipulated samples, and broken rhythms, Barnes constructs tracks that seem to emerge from a distant past while maintaining a strong contemporary feel.
Dagger Paths (2010) is his debut EP that drew critical attention for its originality and emotional depth. Engravings (2013) is his first full-length album, acclaimed for its ability to combine tradition and innovation into a coherent and engaging sound. In 2017, Compassion was released—a work exploring themes of empathy and human connection through complex and layered soundscapes. The latest studio work is Bolted (2023), which continues Barnes’s exploration of unconventional sounds and structures, solidifying his position in the experimental electronic music scene.
Forest Swords’s live performances are known for their intensity and immersiveness. Through the use of visual art and meticulous sound design, Barnes transforms each concert into a sensory journey that engages and captivates audiences. Beyond music production, Barnes has collaborated with various visual artists and composed soundtracks for films, television, and video games—demonstrating a versatility that transcends traditional music boundaries.