On a quaint main street in the East End section of the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut next to dance studios and gastro pubs, lies a soon-to-be well-known music venue called Park City Music Hall. It boasts a full bar, a menu with options for everyone, incredible sound, lighting, and not just lights, and a green room as large as the event space itself. Almost beyond belief is a large parking lot in the back, in addition to the available on-street parking. A substantial investment is clear but, what stands out even above all of this is the staff. Everyone was friendly, attentive and makes it their mission for the bands and patrons alike to have the best experience possible.

It is no wonder that He Was A God chose this location for the record release party celebrating their new full-length album Muckraker (He Was A God Music). 

A five-man band, He Was A God, features Benjamin Curns on vocals, Chris Densky (Genitorturers) on drums, rhythm guitars, backing vocals, and keyboards provided by Tony Pellino, Dan Perrone on bass, and lead guitar player Ray Zvovushe. Born out of the crucible of COVID, they combine a heavy sound with furious drums, a bit of whimsy, and a social message to create a sound that is unique to them. Having spent the last few years refining their sound first developed on their EP The Smile & The Scar (He Was A God Music), the result is an album that will be spending a lot of time on repeat. 

Since this is a party to celebrate the release of the new album, one band just wouldn’t be enough.  First on the stage was a local band, Shagohod. Self-described on Bandcamp as “…just a pair of average dudes making the kind of music that comes naturally to us- overwrought, melodramatic leitmotif concept albums about video games and junk.”  With a raw unfiltered sound, Shagohod employs a wide range of styles from Metal to Blues to Punk and Prog Rock. Tempo changes are the norm and the tactic of playing solos over a rhythmic melody is used in abundance. One song “Scavenger” we are told is about the Egyptian antiquities in The British Museum and how they were stolen to find their way there. This is a debate for another forum, but the values of the band are on clear display and tie in well with the theme of the evening. 

With barely time to order a drink, the changeover to the next band was completed and Bone Church took the stage.  With all of the hallmarks of a heavier Progressive Rock band, there was a definite influence of eighties Metal with a little Mountain and a hint of southern flair. Songs grew progressively longer and a more relaxed approach translated to a more comfortable band that was visibly enjoying themselves. Flowing through different melodies each song would ebb and flow while building in intensity and crashing to completion. What looked fun to play was fun to watch, and the crowd was ready for the main event. 

He Was A God is here to celebrate the completion of their first full-length album entitled Muckraker and present it to the audience. Miriam Webster defines a muckraker as “a person who strives to search out and publicly expose real or apparent misconduct of a prominent individual or business”. Each song has a message and a distrust for the status quo and shines a light on the failings of society.  

We are told that this is the first and probably last time that the entire album will be performed in public. As such, the setlist is the track listing on the album. Starting with “Forward March,” about people blindly following the herd, into “Pestilence” about how an idea can infect and spread like a disease, and into “Track Marks” about the perils of addiction each song provides a moral outrage and shines a bright light on our current culture. Scathing guitars and monstrous drums play along with vocals that are sung and sometimes delivered using a bullhorn to create a holistic musical experience. 

Of particular note is “Two New Stars” which was originally recorded on the EP and reworked for the album and the performance of “Knight To Rook Three” that flows into “The Great Divide” provides a masterful build of intensity. Like “Freebird” or “Stairway To Heaven,” it provides a crescendo that demands the audience’s attention and generates energy in those present. 

Over too soon, He Was A God has produced an album and evening well worth the time. At present, there are two upcoming shows at 10selden in Woodbridge, CT and at Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn, NY. You will be doing yourself a favor by catching one of these performances and keep an eye out for more.

He Was A God setlist:
Forward March
Pestilence
Track Marks
Two New Stars
Class Dismissed
Game Of Pretend
Incarnadine
Blood On Our Hands

Buy music and merch for He Was A God:
https://www.hewasagod.com/

WRITTEN BY MATTHEW KOCHEK
PHOTOS BY KIM HANSEN @PHARMADIVER