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Undead Fleshcrave: The Zombie Trigger
Armada.
Thriving metropolis with a population including more than its healthy share of extreme heavy metal aficionados, which is why this city is the ideal location to kick off the inaugural tour of mysterious death metal super group Undead Fleshcrave.
With a concert to play to a sold out venue, the brutal metal collective have the metalhead denizens right in the palm of their hands, ready to unleash musical mayhem for Armada’s headbangers.
Among the capacity crowd are Seth, Mark, Julietta, Miranda, and their friends, all of whom belong to a different metal community to the death metal crew, that of black metal. Nonetheless, they will have more than a casual interest to witness the must-see show which has been the talk of the town for weeks.
Only this headbangers heaven isn’t going to be any ordinary concert. It is about to turn into headbangers hell. Undead Fleshcrave have a little thing they call Zombie Trigger which is going to be unveiled right here in Armada, and all true death heads are going to be treated to an orgy of bloody brutality and terror beyond any of the ultra-violent lyrics in the songs they adore.
Hopelessly ensnared in the crush of a concert turned cruel trap, Seth and company are just about to find Armada has been earmarked as the epicenter of a deliberately planned out undead apocalypse.
And this is only the beginning. Undead Fleshcrave have a calculated plan which will see them continuing their tour of terror all across the country, bringing the Zombie Trigger and its undead repercussions to every town they visit. Unless somebody can figure out how to stop them.
Thriving metropolis with a population including more than its healthy share of extreme heavy metal aficionados, which is why this city is the ideal location to kick off the inaugural tour of mysterious death metal super group Undead Fleshcrave.
With a concert to play to a sold out venue, the brutal metal collective have the metalhead denizens right in the palm of their hands, ready to unleash musical mayhem for Armada’s headbangers.
Among the capacity crowd are Seth, Mark, Julietta, Miranda, and their friends, all of whom belong to a different metal community to the death metal crew, that of black metal. Nonetheless, they will have more than a casual interest to witness the must-see show which has been the talk of the town for weeks.
Only this headbangers heaven isn’t going to be any ordinary concert. It is about to turn into headbangers hell. Undead Fleshcrave have a little thing they call Zombie Trigger which is going to be unveiled right here in Armada, and all true death heads are going to be treated to an orgy of bloody brutality and terror beyond any of the ultra-violent lyrics in the songs they adore.
Hopelessly ensnared in the crush of a concert turned cruel trap, Seth and company are just about to find Armada has been earmarked as the epicenter of a deliberately planned out undead apocalypse.
And this is only the beginning. Undead Fleshcrave have a calculated plan which will see them continuing their tour of terror all across the country, bringing the Zombie Trigger and its undead repercussions to every town they visit. Unless somebody can figure out how to stop them.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2016
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Jim Goforth
72 books191 followersJim Goforth is a horror author currently based in Albury, Australia. Happily married with two kids and a cat, he has been writing tales of horror since the early nineties.
After years of detouring into working with the worldwide extreme metal community and writing reviews for hundreds of bands across the globe with Black Belle Music he returned to his biggest writing love with first book Plebs published by J. Ellington Ashton Press. Along with Plebs, he is the author of a collection of short stories/novellas With Tooth and Claw, extreme metal undead opus Undead Fleshcrave: The Zombie Trigger, Riders: Plebs 2-Book One and Two, The Sleep, Carnival of Chaos, and Festival of the Flesh, co-author of collaborative novel Feral Hearts, and editor for the Rejected For Content anthology series (taking over the reins after volume one Splattergore. He also has stories in both Splattergore and Volume 2: Aberrant Menagerie).
He has also appeared in Matt Shaw’s Masters of Horror, Tales From the Lake Vol. 2, Axes of Evil, Terror Train, Autumn Burning: Dreadtime Stories For the Wicked Soul, Floppy Shoes Apocalypse, Teeming Terrors, Ghosts: An Anthology of Horror From the Beyond, Suburban Secrets: A Neighborhood of Nightmares, Doorway To Death: An Anthology From the Other Side, Easter Eggs and Bunny Boilers, MvF: Death Personified, Drowning in Gore, Trashed, Full Moon Slaughter, Moon Books Horror Anthology 2016, Dual Depravity (co-author), VS: US vs UK Horror, Bah! Humbug: An Anthology of Christmas Horror Stories, and several others including numerous anthologies in Project 26 from J. Ellington Ashton Press.
He is currently at work on Plebs 3, and a handful of other novels.
After years of detouring into working with the worldwide extreme metal community and writing reviews for hundreds of bands across the globe with Black Belle Music he returned to his biggest writing love with first book Plebs published by J. Ellington Ashton Press. Along with Plebs, he is the author of a collection of short stories/novellas With Tooth and Claw, extreme metal undead opus Undead Fleshcrave: The Zombie Trigger, Riders: Plebs 2-Book One and Two, The Sleep, Carnival of Chaos, and Festival of the Flesh, co-author of collaborative novel Feral Hearts, and editor for the Rejected For Content anthology series (taking over the reins after volume one Splattergore. He also has stories in both Splattergore and Volume 2: Aberrant Menagerie).
He has also appeared in Matt Shaw’s Masters of Horror, Tales From the Lake Vol. 2, Axes of Evil, Terror Train, Autumn Burning: Dreadtime Stories For the Wicked Soul, Floppy Shoes Apocalypse, Teeming Terrors, Ghosts: An Anthology of Horror From the Beyond, Suburban Secrets: A Neighborhood of Nightmares, Doorway To Death: An Anthology From the Other Side, Easter Eggs and Bunny Boilers, MvF: Death Personified, Drowning in Gore, Trashed, Full Moon Slaughter, Moon Books Horror Anthology 2016, Dual Depravity (co-author), VS: US vs UK Horror, Bah! Humbug: An Anthology of Christmas Horror Stories, and several others including numerous anthologies in Project 26 from J. Ellington Ashton Press.
He is currently at work on Plebs 3, and a handful of other novels.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 24, 2016
This was written in the style of most of the horror books I grew up with in the late 80's and early 90's. More descriptive and lengthy than what I have been reading recently, Goforth is good at providing the necessary world building and character relationships, yet does not overdo it. After the first 10% of the book I was on board and had no issue with the higher word count.
Myself a follower of heavy music for most of my life, I enjoyed the references to so many familiar bands, and the inside jokes and puns associated within. The concept that whatever genre the characters held most dear could be the catalyst for them becoming one of the undead was pretty cool and executed in a believable way. If you have a taste for black metal and/or death metal and read horror, this book is a great pairing of the two.
Myself a follower of heavy music for most of my life, I enjoyed the references to so many familiar bands, and the inside jokes and puns associated within. The concept that whatever genre the characters held most dear could be the catalyst for them becoming one of the undead was pretty cool and executed in a believable way. If you have a taste for black metal and/or death metal and read horror, this book is a great pairing of the two.
February 11, 2016
"Don’t however think that you know how this one is going to pan out. Mr Goforth was called a certain name by me on a couple of occasions after taking me in a totally different direction than I thought I was going to go and on one occasion had me sitting with my jaw trailing the floor in surprise."
See here for the full review:
Undead Fleshcrave
See here for the full review:
Undead Fleshcrave
January 14, 2016
I received a copy of Fleshcrave directly from Jim Goforth in exchange for an honest review and all I really had at the time to go on was the cover art and the realization that Jim had a new book coming out. If you've followed my reviews on Goodreads or even here you're probably aware that his novel Plebs was one of my favorite novels of 2014. Now I'm looking at Fleshcrave and I can't help but think; What if it sucks? It's a valid question because even guys like Stephen King have a bad year right? Then I began to read it, and I breathed a sigh of relief because nothing has changed. This is one hell of a horror novel and while we all kid Jim about his huge word count the fact is I'm grateful for it. Jim writes novels the size of phone books and that's not a bad thing because the guy doesn't want to feel as if he's shortchanged his readers. His books easily top over 400 pages but there's a solid story that chugs along and the detail that Goforth gives strengthens his work. You're able to immerse yourself in the story and get to know the characters. A simple one hundred page book would not do us or Undead Fleshcrave any justice.
Zombie novels are a dime a dozen and while most stay true to the mythos, Goforth takes a wide left and injects a huge dose of originality into it. What he's done is merged his love of metal into his horror. If you're a fan of horror and metal you'll love this because as a fan you'll get the death and back metal influences, and if you're not it's okay. It's still a classic horror novel that reminds us that if done correctly you can make any genre seem fresh and new. Jim has given the zombie genre a much needed kick in the ass and has put his own stamp on it and it works. Fleshcrave is the kind of zombie novel that is violent and brilliant in its delivery and execution. As a writer Goforth knows exactly how to tell a story. As you read it your eyes remained glued to the pages.
All of his influences are present and accounted for so you know that when you read this it feels as if it could have been written in the 80's when horror was exciting and fresh It elevates itself above splatterpunk and just becomes a great horror novel. Goforth writes the kind of stuff that guys like Laymon used to create. It hits hard and fast and drags you along right up to its conclusion. This is a writer who loves horror and he writes for those who carry the horror banner even when it looks as if it's dying out. There are quite a few guys that write not because they think that horror is trendy. They write it because they love it and know that there are quite a few of us who remember just how great horror can be. Zombie purists may get a little butthurt that Jim doesn't follow the rules that others have created but what he's written is unique and a lot of fun to read. Zombie novels don't have to follow the rules. It's okay to be different and Goforth proves that with Undead Fleshcrave.
Zombie novels are a dime a dozen and while most stay true to the mythos, Goforth takes a wide left and injects a huge dose of originality into it. What he's done is merged his love of metal into his horror. If you're a fan of horror and metal you'll love this because as a fan you'll get the death and back metal influences, and if you're not it's okay. It's still a classic horror novel that reminds us that if done correctly you can make any genre seem fresh and new. Jim has given the zombie genre a much needed kick in the ass and has put his own stamp on it and it works. Fleshcrave is the kind of zombie novel that is violent and brilliant in its delivery and execution. As a writer Goforth knows exactly how to tell a story. As you read it your eyes remained glued to the pages.
All of his influences are present and accounted for so you know that when you read this it feels as if it could have been written in the 80's when horror was exciting and fresh It elevates itself above splatterpunk and just becomes a great horror novel. Goforth writes the kind of stuff that guys like Laymon used to create. It hits hard and fast and drags you along right up to its conclusion. This is a writer who loves horror and he writes for those who carry the horror banner even when it looks as if it's dying out. There are quite a few guys that write not because they think that horror is trendy. They write it because they love it and know that there are quite a few of us who remember just how great horror can be. Zombie purists may get a little butthurt that Jim doesn't follow the rules that others have created but what he's written is unique and a lot of fun to read. Zombie novels don't have to follow the rules. It's okay to be different and Goforth proves that with Undead Fleshcrave.
January 9, 2016
I thought I'd read just about everything with zombies but this book really does have a very interesting premise and its well executed on top of that. If you love B flicks with epic plotlines, metal, horror great narratives and grue this book will definitely hit all the right notes.
dnfed
October 11, 2023DNF at 60%, I enjoyed the references but this story is so beyond bloated I couldn't take another chapter.
January 21, 2016
This is the first novel by Jim Goforth that I’ve read and it won’t be the last. What starts as a group of friends attending a metal concert in a town where metal reigns supreme, (Seriously, where can I find a town like that?) the moshing and revelry quickly erupts into a blood-drenched zombie apocalypse in the most unique way I’ve ever seen or read.
After that, it’s a roller coaster, adrenaline-rush of a story, with twists and turns that left me shocked and turning the pages. I’m usually able to predict what’s going to happen next in a story, but not in this one. That delighted me endlessly.
Other things I liked were Goforth’s use of language. Many descriptions read like macabre poetry, and of course some entertaining facets of the black metal vs. death metal cultures. I’m more of a thrash fan, so I don’t have a horse in that race, but I had fun reading about it.
All in all, if you like horror, action, and heavy metal, pick this one up ASAP.
Also, there is great set up for a sequel, so I really hope to read more of this undead-demolishing world.
After that, it’s a roller coaster, adrenaline-rush of a story, with twists and turns that left me shocked and turning the pages. I’m usually able to predict what’s going to happen next in a story, but not in this one. That delighted me endlessly.
Other things I liked were Goforth’s use of language. Many descriptions read like macabre poetry, and of course some entertaining facets of the black metal vs. death metal cultures. I’m more of a thrash fan, so I don’t have a horse in that race, but I had fun reading about it.
All in all, if you like horror, action, and heavy metal, pick this one up ASAP.
Also, there is great set up for a sequel, so I really hope to read more of this undead-demolishing world.
January 11, 2016
I won a copy of this on Facebook, via the author's fan page, and let me tell you, it's epic! Anyone who is a fan of zompoc, extreme heavy metal, or Just a deliciously scary, ultra-violent saga, is encouraged to purchase! The war between Death Metal and Black Metal is real, folks! This is the first book I've ever read by this author, but it won't be the last! Lots of real bands ripped on, a subculture revealed, and brain-eaters released made this a new twist on the genre, of EPIC proportions! Nice and lengthy, too.
January 30, 2016
This is a rough book to review. I loved the first third, but felt like it really bogged down in the middle and I never recovered the level of interest I had at the beginning. Pages and pages are used describing the inner thoughts of Seth, having him speculate about what is happening or what may happen. It went way too far for me when the group is separated, and we spend an entire chapter with Group A. The next chapter is Group B catching up, and Seth observing and going around and around in his head about what may have happened. Meanwhile, THE READER JUST SPENT AN ENTIRE CHAPTER FINDING OUT WHAT HAPPENED!!! It felt to me like these passages were just marking time and padding the page count.
There is a lot to like. Jim Goforth is obviously a true metal fan, which is essential for this story. I really like the little in-jokes that are sprinkled throughout that only the diehard fans will catch. The zombie action was gruesome and fun. The concept is great and I really enjoyed the "scientific" explanation of how the Zombie Trigger worked. I feel like this could have been a favorite of mine if it was half the length. I'll check out Jim's next book, but this one didn't work for me as a whole.
There is a lot to like. Jim Goforth is obviously a true metal fan, which is essential for this story. I really like the little in-jokes that are sprinkled throughout that only the diehard fans will catch. The zombie action was gruesome and fun. The concept is great and I really enjoyed the "scientific" explanation of how the Zombie Trigger worked. I feel like this could have been a favorite of mine if it was half the length. I'll check out Jim's next book, but this one didn't work for me as a whole.
April 30, 2016
Having read Plebs and With Tooth and Claw, I was looking forward to this. I had my reservations. Zombies are becoming the norm, both in books and screen, but I had no hesitation because Jim Goforth's books have never disappointed me.
The plot has been fleshed out in other reviews but without giving spoilers, let me tell you, you will be sitting on the edge of your seat or hanging your legs out of your bed. It is superbly suspenseful, gory, and dark. Imagine going to a heavy metal concert and hearing mind blowing music. Then on a certain rift in the composition, the true followers are transformed into Zombies. Horror, fear, and a few survivors set the scene for a cracking read that left me wanting to dive right into another one of this author's books.
He brought this story alive. It is highly visual, and extremely graphic. The imagery is exceptional.
Another five star read. Thank you Jim Goforth.
The plot has been fleshed out in other reviews but without giving spoilers, let me tell you, you will be sitting on the edge of your seat or hanging your legs out of your bed. It is superbly suspenseful, gory, and dark. Imagine going to a heavy metal concert and hearing mind blowing music. Then on a certain rift in the composition, the true followers are transformed into Zombies. Horror, fear, and a few survivors set the scene for a cracking read that left me wanting to dive right into another one of this author's books.
He brought this story alive. It is highly visual, and extremely graphic. The imagery is exceptional.
Another five star read. Thank you Jim Goforth.
April 1, 2016
An Instant Classic!
Original ... Grisly ... and characters that feel real. As a fan of Jim Goforth's, I expected to enjoy this book. Though I must admit, I did not know to what extent! I had no idea how cool this book would be ... creative and sheer entertainment ... on a level that exceeded even this fan's expectations. I loved this dark glance ... around a partially closed door ... to which my hands were firmly gripped ... into the author's twisted metal mind. After reading the Kindle version, I quickly purchased the hardcopy. It is beautiful! Cooney's cover art is stunning and will draw readers in ... After which Goforth's remarkable writing talent will hold you captive until the end ... and keep you recalling this deadly wickedness long after.
Original ... Grisly ... and characters that feel real. As a fan of Jim Goforth's, I expected to enjoy this book. Though I must admit, I did not know to what extent! I had no idea how cool this book would be ... creative and sheer entertainment ... on a level that exceeded even this fan's expectations. I loved this dark glance ... around a partially closed door ... to which my hands were firmly gripped ... into the author's twisted metal mind. After reading the Kindle version, I quickly purchased the hardcopy. It is beautiful! Cooney's cover art is stunning and will draw readers in ... After which Goforth's remarkable writing talent will hold you captive until the end ... and keep you recalling this deadly wickedness long after.
January 22, 2016
This is one unique horror book! I was gifted this well done novel by the author during a promotion. I have to say, it's one not to be missed by heavy metal horror fans! Not your typical zombies. To be short and to the point, I give it high marks for the zombie genre!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews