GENUS ORDINIS DEI are from Crema in Italy have been making music since 2011. That has resulted in four studio albums up and until now. When I look up the band in the Metal Archives, I see that the musical style they make is described as Symphonic Death/Groove Metal/Metalcore. I get the Symphonic and the Groove Metal, but the rest does not feel relevant to me. Yes, you will hear small parts that might make you think of Death Metal or even Metalcore, but they are very sparse. At least, that is my opinion after a few times listening to their very first live album release. “Eternal Live” was released on June 13th 2025 through Eclipse Records. Yes, I admit, it is the first I have even heard of this band, and this night they recorded was the night they played in Switzerland and opened for XANDRIA and SIRENIA. Bands that have some infinity with GENUS ORDINIS DEI, only they are a bit less in your face.

What makes GENUS ORDINIS DEI a sound a lot heavier are the growls by vocalist Nick K. He has a good sound, and especially in comparison with his female counterparts he has a lot more intense sound. It does make you wonder from time to time as to what kind of Metal the band sees themselves classed as. But as to “Eternal Live” itself; it has been recorded with all the mistakes intact, making it a very true live record. The sound is good and the audience hasn’t been mixed to the forefront, which makes for some awkward listening when the band is asking them participate. But again, it is honest, and as they were a supporting act on the night of recording, it is what it is. I commend GENUS ORDINIS DEI for being so brave as to leave it all as it is.

As to the quality of the music on “Eternal Live”, I can be quite specific; they start and end with their best songs by far, as “Aeternus” and “Fire” are living proof that GENUS ORDINIS DEI is capable of writing rather good songs that have you turn up the volume, take notice and keep your interest throughout the whole time. Unfortunately, everything in between is of a lesser standard. Yes, even the MANOWAR cover “Hail And Kill” doesn’t hack it. They are all okay as well, but they just don’t pack the punch that the two songs mentioned have. And that is where I feel that GENUS ORDINIS DEI has some work to do. Altogether I have to say that I am not impressed and “Eternal Live” hasn’t made me want to see them live. Sorry!