east of the wall

“Detonator Gauntlet“ from A NEUTRAL SECOND out June 30th, 2023 via Translation Loss Records Vinyl: Digital: Video by Chris Alfano. Filmed by Mariette Connelly and Chris Alfano Written and performed by East of the Wall Recorded by Chris Alfano at Volume Fact Mixed by Scott Evans at Antisleep Audio Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege _____________________________________________ You’ll know when their work is done - you won’t foresee, but you’ll be aware. Head down, and your mouth is shut. Don’t be noticed. Don’t believe. Out cold when their work is done - bruised and bloodied, running scared. Too bold, now you’re overrun. Newly humbled, so retreat. If a hapless mind could shrug enough to care, I’d bet it’s on who gave them a rise. It’s emotional, the raised fist, afraid - armed near your home, or by your side. Stand clear, and don’t let them in.... Is he pride and faith, naif recruit? Or apostasy in zealot’s suit? Does it really matter in this encounter? Are they here, or are they far? I don’t trust me, so I will hide away…. Is it clear? Are they gone? I’ve been rusty. So I will hide away and regret all. Does it really matter? Is he wronged, enraged, and out for blood? Or does he itch for blades and hunt for fun? Does it really matter? Now their prey has scattered. “We’re glad to; it’s enough to break. If we have to, it’s enough to say we could see you cry.“ Do not cry, we have some work to do. Line up higher; brace the wall. Rend your backbone. Fill your lungs with smoke. Breathe a fire to singe the frame of night. It’s not hopeless. Dig your feet and shunt. Push the pillars to climb and roar. It’s warming. Now who’s the hunted one? We are pyre, and we’ll burn frost and thaw. It’s a rising tide, and it burns and tears. Set my hands alight. It’s emotional, and we’ll see who’s scared, and who’s on your side. Is he wronged, enraged, and out for blood? Or does he itch for blades and hunt for fun? Does it really matter? If a hapless mind could shrug enough to care, I’d bet it’s on who gave them a rise. It’s emotional, the raised fist, afraid - armed near your home, or by your side.