Phillip Mann, the mastermind behind the alternative metal project Diveradiant, hails from Belgrade, Serbia, and has been crafting a unique blend of heavy and atmospheric music for over a decade. Blurring the lines between post-metal, ambient, and experimental metal, Diveradiant’s sound is an intricate mix of atmospheric depth and crushing heaviness. Last month, Phillip released Ascension, an EP that showcases his genre-blending approach and unconventional songwriting. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of creating Ascension, the inspirations behind its sound, and Phillip’s thoughts on the state of the alternative music scene today.

You launched an EP with your project Diveradiant entitled “Ascension” last month. How do you feel about the release? 

I feel a bit of excitment, I wonder how I will pass the test from the audience, with awareness that is not the convencional release in the metal world I think.

How much of a challenge was it to work on the release?

Quite reasonable, in the matter of struggle with everyday activities. I am satisfied with the deadline of production, It took me around a few months for this EP to record. The most challenging thing is primarily the unconventional approach to the settings and concept of the blending genres I did. Also it will be a challenge to make people try to hear maybe something new in this hyper trending world. I will give it a try.

Speaking of challenges, have you set any in the early phase of what has become the final result?

Main challenging focus was and still is focus on genre blend and the experience that will produce on the listener on first and multiple listens. As a final result I see that my ideas become clearer to me and to the others.

Tell me about the different instrumental and lyrical aspects that you explore on these new songs.

At first, always experimentation on guitar layers and atmosphere. At some point I explored my vocal potential to make an even deeper atmosphere through lyrics and manner of singing. I am far from some professional singer, but the main goal is the atmosphere that voice creates. And then again, new instrumental soundscapes through different guitar tunings to synth volumes that massively rises upon heavy and low guitar riffs and drums. Main lyrical themes are psychological behaviors compared to modern society as the things we need to take more care of.

What is your opinion about the alternative scene today? 

Alternative scene definitely went deep underground. Today it is harder to catch a wider audience, because of the super fast and hyper production lifestyle we live. And also I need to mention differences between mainstream now and in the past, how it was. I think that in the past mainstream was way better and that took influence in the alternatives also. It was way better back then.

Let me know about your influences — the artists that in a way shaped and continue to shape your music.

There are many artists and bands like Justin K.Broadrick ( various of his projects like JESU and GODFLESH), Roger Waters (early Pink Floyd), Thierry Arnal ( Fragment.), Misha Mansoor (BULB, PERIPHERY), Vildhjarta, Cult Of Luna, Meshuggah and many more. All of these bands and artists have similarities, like heavy guitar riffs and atmospheres. I think that I seek roots from these bands in some manner.

What are your top 5 records of all time?

Oh, difficult one. It will be at first:

JESU – Jesu
PINK FLOYD – Ummagumma
FRAGMENT – Is Your Truth Carved in Sand?
PERIPHERY – Periphery (instrumental)
VILDHJARTA – Måsstaden under vatten

Besides the release of “Ascension” are there any other plans for the future?

I will continue to explore soundscapes of metal and ambient music through new songs and collaborations I am planning, probably I will consider maybe live appearance in future.

Check out Ascension on Bandcamp.