Dave Brockie – “Whargoul” [Book Review]

Dave Brockie is also known as Oderus Urungus, the outrageous, over-the-top front man of the equally outrageous heavy metal band Gwar. For years now Brockie has pushed the limits with the band’s live show and has always taken entertainment value to the next level. For his first foray into the fiction realm Brockie carries on that same tradition of shock and awe.

As can be expected from Brockie, “Whargoul” is a brutal, bloody read. It’s the story of a beast that literally feeds off the pain that war and death cause. The Whargoul is cursed to walk the earth without hope of death. It is reborn again and again to spread hate, abuse and genocide. “Whargoul” is part historical novel as well and takes readers to many places including Stalingrad during WWII and Iraq during Desert Storm.

Along the way readers can expect murder, rape, lust, death and blood… lots of blood. True to Brockies’ background, this is an all-out assault on the senses and is definitely not for those with a weak constitution. Overall though I must say “Whargoul” has a good, well-defined story line and flows extremely well.

If you’re a fan of schlock horror and/or pulp fiction type stories, than “Whargoul” will be right up your alley. Thematically it’s a rough ride and it left me wanting a shower after I was finished, but it’s a cohesive solid story that fans of horror and ultra-violent media will surely dig.

Written by: Dave Brockie
Format/Length: Paperback, 244 pages.
Publisher: Deadite Press (December 4, 2010)

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