Review by Jack on May 13, 2003.

Nudeathmetalcore? Actually this is a genre description of Negative Creeps by their own label, Black Lotus Records, and not me. However much a silly sounding description it reads or rolls off the tongue is possibly the most accurate word used to describe this Greek quartet. What we have here in "In Uterus Rebirth" is an album that is fundamentally in the same vein as what Machine Head bought us with "Burn My Eyes."

Crisp, sharp and big riffs pave the way for a very Rob Flynn-inspired vocal performance from vocalist Makis Kanakaris. Granted he isn't quite Rob, but Makis pulls off his material with authority and should rest proud in his efforts on "In Uterus Rebirth." Overall this is a record that has the potential to offer fans that are into the hybrid blends of death, thrash, hardcore.

However, the tale of Negative Creeps unfortunately doesn't end there. To be perfectly honest the production of "In Uterus Rebirth" doesn't put a smile on my dial. The guitars sound a bit tinny, they are played with the right intentions and passion, but having sub-mediocre production does not help things at all. As with the guitars, the drumming lacks the fuel and energy that one may have found from a more all-round production effort.

All is not lost, though. Negative Creeps have enough pluses to take them over the line, and "In Uterus Rebirth" is a record that fans of the early Machine Head charge could really get some value out of.

Bottom Line: Looking for where Machine Head left off from "Burn My Eyes?" Well then, perhaps you need look no further. Negative Creeps certainly have a number of kinks to iron out, but maybe down the track these guys will develop into quite an act.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 4
Originality: 6.5
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.2 out of 10