Upon first hearing “The Weight Of Gold,” the new single by Forest Swords (aka Matthew Barnes) I was reminded for the first time in quite a while just how incredible his 2010 debut Dagger Paths was. Barnes seemed to just sort of disappear after the album, remaining as mysterious and elusive as his distinct music with just the occasional production job or remix to show. Now just over three years since his last album, Barnes is back with Engravings. Bringing back three of his signature elements – spindly guitar, loose heavy percussion, and ghostly vocal samples – “Gold” eventually hits its peak when all three combine near the end. It’s fitting that Barnes is putting the album out on Tri Angle. His style has had such a distinct impression on now-label mates such as Balam Acab and The Haxan Cloak, it’s good to see them all in the same place. Listen to “The Weight Of Gold” below.

Engravings is out 8/26 on Tri Angle Records