Sydney-based alternative act nightdive are one of the most intriguing new forces to emerge in Australia’s alt-metal scene this year. They’re unafraid to balance ambient electronic textures with contrasting vicious moments, diving headfirst into honest and vulnerable territory while they’re at it. For fans of Deftones, Underoath, and Thornhill, their sound captures an elusive middle ground between soft and moody and visceral and violent—heavy but not one-dimensional, intimate yet expansive. In an era where modern heavy music is constantly redrawing its boundaries, nightdive arrive with a clarity that sees them creating something that feels fresh and free.
Formed only this year, nightdive have already made a confident entrance into Australia’s heavy landscape. Their latest single “Occulent” is a perfect introduction to the band—mixed and mastered by Simon Grove (Plini, Intervals, Protest The Hero) it’s a haunting reflection on mortality and the psychological weight of illness. “Occulent” dives into the loss of control over body, of the world, of the people who make it feel worth saving. It arrives as nightdive prepare to bring it to life onstage this weekend supporting Ladders on Tables, the new project from Trenton Woodley (formerly of Hands Like Houses), at shows in Newcastle and Sydney.
We caught up with the band to talk about their creative world and what drives their sound.
For people discovering nightdive for the first time, how do you describe the world your music lives in?
A texturally heavy, atmospheric space where dense guitars, dark melody, and emotional intensity meet. It sits in the space between weight and honesty; it’s immersive and cinematic.
What’s the story behind the name nightdive?
We are big Thrice fans and the name came from a shortened song title. It also fits the feeling of the music, immersing yourself in something murky, strange, and unknown. When we saw it on our shortlist, it felt right.
Your sound pulls from a lot of places, what are the less obvious influences that shaped nightdive?
Films and soundtracks are a major influence, and writing in different environments changes the approach. We all have eclectic tastes, so unexpected ideas appear naturally. We also write separately and pass ideas back and forth, which lets each sketch grow in its own space before becoming part of the final track.
What’s a tiny detail in one of your songs that you’re especially proud of, even if most listeners won’t notice it?
Some of our synth choices and tunings are unconventional but still subtle. The underlying textures are something we work on heavily, even when the song sounds straightforward on the surface.
If you had to describe your music without using genre labels, what would you say?
Textured, dark, and warming daylight.
What’s something in your creative process that would surprise people? Do you have a writing routine?
We often write separately while working on the same track. It was not intentional at first, but it creates a unique tension between our ideas. Nothing is precious and anything can be changed, edited, or rebuilt. The goal is always to serve the song and its mood.
What’s an idea or experiment that changed the way you approach songwriting?
Alternative tunings and electronic elements. We are all into different areas of electronic music so it feeds into how we write. It has not changed the process as much as it has become a consistent part of it.
What guides the visual identity of nightdive?
The sonic world itself. The visuals extend from the atmosphere in the music.
If your band existed as a film, what genre or director would suit best?
Drama + Dystopian
What was the first CD each of you ever bought?
Sam – Americana by The Offspring
Jared – In Utero by Nirvana
Mitch – Lullabies to Paralyze or A Crow Left of the Murder
Jack – Get Rich or Die Tryin by 50 Cent
If nightdive could collaborate with anyone, musical or not, who would you choose?
David Lynch, Ryuichi Sakamoto or Casey Crescenzo from The Dear Hunter.
What’s something you want to achieve in 2026 as nightdive?
We want to tour more and release more – which are both in the works!
Follow nightdive on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of nightdive
