"Fragmented" (codename: GUILT) is the newest single by solo prog rock project Aeons Encoded, released on 3/17/2023. It is one of the more synth-heavy songs, but with nice psychedelic rock elements in the mix. Lyrically themed around the feelings associated with guilt, this song aims to put the listener into a relatable state, when their Fight or Flight mode kicks in in our daily lives. This song is also a piece of the next album's story, where each song corresponds to a feeling, symptom, and/or aspect of depression and mental illness. Lyrics: Going in circles around and around again 'Round the fire lies the body you burned, a friend I set out to do all the things that I've never done My spirit is shaking, I feel I'm the only one Slowly I begin to realize the mess I made Cracking the code as my confidence starts to fade Racing the clock, going faster and faster than The beat of my heart, failing to catch my breath again You hear the sound of river-flow Looking for somewhere else to go You cannot move, and cannot speak As you get neck deep in the water I'm breaking beyond repair Nothing to see in here Just me wasting away in this mental hellscape With these voices drawing near That shatter my will to live And you just stand there watching me Pick up the pieces all over and over again Sometimes I feel like a bullet went through my chest The guilt that I bear makes it harder and harder to rest I'm getting so tired of trying to fill the hole That shards of my reason are staying out in the cold Spinning in circles around and around again 'Round the forest lies the body you hid, a friend Behind my eyes are the fragments of memories And like Medusa's gaze I crystallize instantly You hear the sound of river-flow Looking for somewhere else to go You cannot move, and cannot speak As you sink head first into the water I'm breaking beyond repair Nothing to see in here Just me wasting away in this mental hellscape With these voices drawing near That shatter my will to live And you just stand there watching me Pick up the pieces all over and over againmore