Genus Ordinis Dei is a band from Italy based on symphonic death/groove metal/metalcore.
On the occasion of the band’s live album “Eternal Live”, released June 27, 2025, Metalwar contacted the band’s vocalist, Nick Key, to find out all the interesting things that are happening.
Metalwar: What initially drew each member of the band to heavy metal music?
Nick Key: We all grew up with metal in our headphones. It was the power, the energy, and the raw emotion of the genre that captured us. Each of us found in metal an authentic language to express ourselves. Also, Nick’s dad was a die-hard
metalhead and definitely had an influence on us.
Metalwar: Can you share the story behind the formation of the band and how you all came together?
Nick Key: We’re longtime friends, born and raised in the same area. The project started in 2011 from the musical vision shared by Nick and Tommy. From there, with the addition of Nico on drums, the full lineup came to life.
Metalwar: What sets your band apart from other heavy metal acts in the scene today?
Nick Key: Our identity is built on a unique blend of symphonic orchestrations, death metal, and cinematic storytelling. Every album we release is a concept, a story to live—not just to listen to. We even took it further by creating actual video series connected to our music.
Metalwar: How would you describe your music style and lyrical themes?
Nick Key: Our style is a fusion of symphonic, death, and melodic metal, enriched by epic orchestral arrangements. Our lyrics explore dark, spiritual themes often tied to religion, heresy, and redemption. Each song is part of a larger narrative.
Metalwar: What inspires your songwriting process, and do you draw from personal experiences or external sources?
Nick Key: Some emotions come from personal experiences, but they’re often filtered through characters and stories we create. We draw inspiration from mythology, religion, gothic literature, and horror. Our goal is to evoke powerful and immersive imagery.
Metalwar: Could you discuss the creative process behind your latest album or single?
Nick Key: Our latest release was conceived as a narrative work. We wrote the story before the music, and each track was designed to reflect a specific chapter. Tommy handled the orchestral production, and the whole band
contributed to the arrangements. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding process.
Metalwar: What has been the most memorable performance or tour experience for the band so far?
Nick Key: Touring all over Europe with Lacuna Coil was unforgettable. We had the chance to bring our show to new and passionate
audiences, and we experienced amazing moments both on stage and backstage. We’ve also toured with Evergrey, and more recently with Xandria and Sirenia—it’s always fantastic being on the road!
Metalwar: How do you approach balancing the intensity of your music with maintaining clarity and coherence in your compositions?
Nick Key: It’s a constant challenge. We rely heavily on pre-production: we arrange everything in the studio before heading to rehearsals. That allows us to shape the sonic impact precisely, giving space to every instrument while keeping the musical narrative clear and cohesive.
Metalwar: Are there any particular artists or bands that have influenced your sound or style?
Nick Key: Absolutely. Bands like Dark Tranquillity, Septicflesh, and Dimmu Borgir had a major impact on us. But also Kamelot, Gojira, and even film soundtracks have inspired us in terms of atmosphere.
Metalwar: How do you navigate the challenges of being in a heavy metal band in today’s music industry?
Nick Key: Being an independent band in a niche genre is tough. It takes a lot of dedication, organization, and a clear vision. But today, thanks to social media and digital platforms, we can reach listeners anywhere.
It requires consistency and the ability to adapt and evolve.
Metalwar: Can you talk about any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans can look forward to?
Nick Key: Yes! We’re currently working on a new concept album that follows a parallel storyline to our previous release. It will include some exciting collaborations and strong visual elements, all in the signature style that defines us.
Metalwar: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to break into the heavy metal scene?
Nick Key: Be authentic and work hard. Don’t follow trends—create something that truly represents you. And remember: quality
comes with perseverance. Invest in your sound, your image, and your story.
Metalwar: How do you engage with your fans, both online and offline?
Nick Key: We love being active on social media, sharing not only music but also behind-the- scenes content. And after every show, we always make time to talk to the people who came out to see us. Our connection with fans is a vital part of our journey.
Metalwar: What do you hope listeners take away from your music or live performances?
Nick Key: We want to deliver strong emotions and make people experience a journey—not just a song. If our audience can connect with the story and feel something deep, then we’ve achieved our goal.
Metalwar: Lastly, what’s the ultimate goal or vision for the band’s future?
Nick Key: To keep creating art that fuses music, cinema, and storytelling. We want to bring our show to the next level, expand our universe, and leave a lasting mark on the international metal scene.
Metalwar: Thank you for your time!!
Nick Key: Thank you for the interview! See you in the pit!
