This week on Diamond Cast, we dive deep into lyrics — how much to say, how much to leave unsaid, and why trusting the listener is often more powerful than spelling everything out.

We talk about simplicity versus complexity in dark music, from Rage Against the Machine and nu metal to Smashing Pumpkins’ strange phrasing, lyric techniques we use ourselves, and why writing lyrics can feel closer to scriptwriting than poetry.

We also explore whether rhyme is restrictive or liberating, if ambiguity is lazy or respectful, and how mystery — in music, film, and storytelling — can deepen meaning, with detours into Donnie Darko and Stephen King.

A thoughtful, creative episode about finding your voice and letting the audience meet you halfway.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:43 – Recap: last week’s London show

02:38 – This week’s topic: lyrics & trusting the listener

03:24 – Does simplicity hit harder in dark music? (RATM & nu metal)

09:17 – Lyric writing styles and techniques we use

12:41 – Lyrics as scriptwriting

17:34 – Smashing Pumpkins & unconventional phrasing

19:46 – Trusting the listener

23:30 – Is rhyme restrictive or does it sharpen ideas?

28:22 – Should lyrics and stories be overexplained?

35:59 – Is ambiguity lazy or respectful?

41:45 – Finding your own voice

44:12 – Oh no… dream talk

47:05 – Does mystery deepen meaning? (Donnie Darko & Stephen King)

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we dive deep into nostalgia — why it’s so powerful, how it shapes music and fashion, and whether it inspires creativity or traps us in the past.

We talk about whether past decades were really better to live through, how new music scenes often react against what came before, and whether it’s still acceptable to “stay young” as you get older.

Along the way there are stories from awkward teenage years, questionable music choices, how nostalgia feeds into songwriting, a surprise Diamond Black Jingle Challenge, and a peek into Ben’s gym soundtrack.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:46 – Does nostalgia keep us stuck in the past?

06:48 – Can nostalgia inspire new creativity?

08:26 – Why nostalgia is so powerful

10:13 – Were past decades really better to live through?

12:09 – Are new music scenes reactions to what came before?

18:32 – When music and fashion were inseparable

23:29 – Are we allowed to “stay young” anymore?

27:39 – Trying to be cool as an awkward teenager

29:35 – Teenage Ben gets confronted over his music taste

32:29 – How nostalgia feeds into songwriting

35:50 – The Diamond Black jingle challenge

38:46 – Ben’s gym soundtrack

43:00 – Should we play these songs live?

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week on Diamond Cast, we’re kicking off the new year by looking back at our highlights of 2025 and getting excited for our London headline show next week.

With a very London-shaped episode, we talk about what we love most about the city, how the London rock scene has evolved, the venues and nights that shaped us, and the places that still keep it alive today.

From Shot Through The Heart, Decadence and Metalworks, to our favourite modern rock bars like Blondies, The Big Red, and Helgi’s, this one’s a love letter to the city that raised us creatively.

We also dive into the origins of Flashbang Studio, share our favourite London shows we’ve played, and finish things off with some Tube trivia chaos.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:37 – Welcome back & Happy New Year

00:54 – Our highlights of 2025

07:20 – London headline show next week

10:45 – A London-themed episode: what we love about the city

17:54 – The London rock scene over the years

20:49 – Shot Through The Heart, Decadence & Metalworks

27:45 – The origins of Flashbang Studio

35:14 – Best current London rock bars: Blondies, The Big Red & Helgi’s

41:30 – Our favourite London shows we’ve played

45:41 – Tube or taxi in London?

51:26 – Tube trivia: Adam vs Ben

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

TOUR DATES:

🗓 17TH JANUARY 2026 – London – THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS - CAMDEN - 33 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8NL

PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGED ^^^^^

LONDON TICKETS: https://wegottickets.com/event/679431/

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week's Diamond Cast features a powerful and inspiring conversation with our special guest Anne Bennett, whose new single "Closing The Dark" features Ben. We talk about the challenges of performing as a solo artist, how Anne transforms negative emotions into something meaningful, and why Lord of the Rings somehow ends up becoming part of the discussion. Anne also opens up about sobriety, the songwriting process behind Closing The Dark, filming the music video, and shares heartfelt advice for anyone struggling with their mental health or creative journey. A deep, honest and uplifting episode — and one you won't want to miss. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:01:19 – Our guest Anne Bennett & her new single featuring Ben 00:04:49 – The challenges of performing live as a solo artist 00:11:17 – Turning negative emotions into something positive 00:19:35 – An unexpected Lord of the Rings discussion 00:27:26 – Creating “Closing The Dark” – Anne & Ben’s collaboration 00:38:36 – How the song is meant to make people feel 00:41:25 – The songwriting process 00:44:38 – Behind the music video 00:48:09 – Sobriety and the journey through it 01:06:45 – Anne’s advice for anyone struggling 01:09:57 – Quick-fire questions ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com Listen to Diamond Black: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black” Follow us: Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial X (Twitter) – @dmondblk ************************************************ TOUR DATES: 🗓 17TH JANUARY 2026 – London – The Dance Hall, Archway (Headline show) LONDON TICKETS: https://wegottickets.com/event/679431/ ************************************************ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/ Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/ Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms ************************************************ Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat! Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support! DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store Ben - @benchristomusic Adam - @adamhartist Vincent - @vincentvdrums Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps Instagram - @diamondblackofficial Facebook - @diamondblackofficial X - @dmondblk Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week’s Diamond Cast is a deeply personal and compassionate conversation about eating disorder recovery, shared understanding, and the journey back from some of the darkest places a person can be.

We’ll be discussing our own experiences, the stories of others who have walked this path, and how connection, empathy and honest conversation can make people feel seen after years of not being understood.

This episode is not about triggering content — it’s about recovery, resilience, and hope, and letting people know they’re not alone.

If you have your own stories or messages of support, please share them in the live chat or comments.

Handled with care, this kind of conversation can bring real respite.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Start

00:00:35 - This week we’re discussing our experiences with Eating disorders & recovery

00:02:28 - Ben’s story

00:44:13 - Natalies story

01:23:43 - Trying not to fall back in to old habits

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

TOUR DATES:

🗓 17TH JANUARY 2026 – London – The Dance Hall, Archway

(Headline show)

LONDON TICKETS: https://wegottickets.com/event/679431/

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week’s Diamond Cast features a truly inspiring guest — JJ from Lesbian Bed Death.

JJ shares her incredible life story: from joining the band and performing with theatrical flair to surviving a cardiac arrest at just 19 years old. Her journey from tragedy to triumph is one of resilience, positivity, and pure rock-’n’-roll spirit.

We talk about tour life together, the creative energy of Lesbian Bed Death, JJ’s favourite songs to perform, and how surviving death reshaped her outlook on music, health, and life itself.

A deep, moving, and uplifting conversation you won’t want to miss.

@iaintnoicedtea - insta / tiktok

@lesbianbeddeath insta / tiktok

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:10 – Welcoming our special guest: JJ from Lesbian Bed Death

03:57 – Memories from the Dark Anthems tour together

09:10 – JJ’s path to joining Lesbian Bed Death

16:54 – The theatrical side of LBD’s live shows

21:28 – JJ’s favourite Lesbian Bed Death songs to perform

26:10 – JJ’s powerful life story

37:54 – Surviving cardiac arrest at 19

44:38 – Life lessons: what to do (and not do) after surviving death

52:14 – “Take life by the balls” – JJ’s mantra for living

55:45 – How JJ performs while managing her condition

58:19 – JJ’s biggest musical influences

01:02:07 – Dream collaborations

01:03:59 – Where to follow JJ online

01:09:43 – Anthem of the Week

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

TOUR DATES:

🗓 17TH JANUARY 2026 – London – The Dance Hall, Archway

(Headline show)

LONDON TICKETS: https://wegottickets.com/event/679431/

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

This week’s Diamond Cast comes straight from the heart — stories from the road, unforgettable moments, and the incredible people who made the Dark Anthems tour so special.

We talk about our favourite venues, how we spend our days off, and the amazing fan gifts that left us speechless — including a one-of-a-kind book created by our supporters.

We also look back on the Dark Anthems EP, share our reactions to hearing it as a finished record for the first time, and discuss what’s next for Diamond Black after an unforgettable run with The Birthday Massacre and Lesbian Bed Death.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:36 – Pipe stories, Ian McKellen & Muse

04:17 – Coming up this week

05:04 – The Birthday Massacre Tour: tales from the road

09:08 – Shoutout to our amazing fans

11:48 – The best purchase ever: our makeup case

13:25 – What we get up to between shows

18:31 – Days off on tour

24:34 – Our favourite venues

26:42 – The video backdrop

29:26 – Incredible fan gifts revealed

32:39 – The amazing fan gift book

38:33 – The feeling we’ll never forget from this tour

42:06 – Giornale Metal review

46:00 – How we create “poignant and slaying hymns”

50:44 – “We want to see Diamond Black live!”

51:33 – Listening to the Dark Anthems EP for the first time

53:26 – Messaging between songs

57:21 – What’s next for Diamond Black

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

TOUR DATES:

🗓 17TH JANUARY 2026 – London – The Dance Hall, Archway

(Headline show)

LONDON TICKETS: https://wegottickets.com/event/679431/

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com

LIVE: Day of the Dead Diamond Cast – Lost Legends & Tour Updates | Ep 54

Tonight, we’re going LIVE for a special Day of the Dead edition of Diamond Cast — hosted by Adam & Natalie from the Dark Anthems tour.

We’ll be honouring the artists who inspired us, changed us, and left their mark on music forever — while catching you up on life on the road so far.

Join us in the live chat as we talk about:

- Which artist’s death impacted us most — and why

- Who we’d bring back if we could

- The most shocking losses in music history

- Our dream gig line-up made up entirely of the departed

We’ll also be giving a full tour update, stories from the shows, and reading your comments and Super Chats live.

Whether you’ve just discovered us on tour or you’ve been here since the beginning — this one’s for you. Come hang out, celebrate the music that shaped us, and remember those who made it all possible.

Watch live. Join the conversation.

Dark Anthems EP out now – diamondblackofficial.com/store

Listen to the band – spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

************************************************

Join the Diamond Black Community:

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

YouTube Memberships – Join via the “Join” button on our channel

Merch – https://diamondblackofficial.com/store

Bandcamp – https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com

Listen to Diamond Black:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5APKOSAXQZh2Kv46TnvEVG

Apple Music – Search “Diamond Black”

Follow us:

Instagram & Facebook – @diamondblackofficial

X (Twitter) – @dmondblk

************************************************

TOUR DATES with The Birthday Massacre:

🗓 24TH OCTOBER 2025 – Glasgow – Ivory Blacks (SOLD OUT)

🗓 26TH OCTOBER 2025 – Edinburgh – La Belle Angele

🗓 29TH OCTOBER 2025 – York – Crescent (SOLD OUT)

🗓 30TH OCTOBER 2025 - Newcastle - The Cluny (SOLD OUT)

🗓 04TH NOVEMBER 2025 – Bristol – Exchange (SOLD OUT)

🗓 05TH NOVEMBER 2025 – Cardiff – Globe (Venue Upgrade!)

TICKETS : https://www.stigmata.uk/the-birthday-massacre/

🗓 17TH JANUARY 2026 – London – The Dance Hall, Archway (Headline show)

LONDON TICKETS: https://wegottickets.com/event/679431/

************************************************

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DiamondBlackOfficial

Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/N5t8ueajMJ

Merch: https://diamondblackofficial.com/store/

Bandcamp: https://diamondblack.bandcamp.com/

Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms

************************************************

Join our lovely DIAMOND BATS on YouTube in the live-chat!

Please ‘like’ the video if you enjoyed it, and leave a comment too as it really helps the band get more views and get spread around Youtube! We really appreciate all the support!

DIAMOND BLACK MERCH - www.diamondblackofficial.com/store

Ben - @benchristomusic

Adam - @adamhartist

Vincent - @vincentvdrums

Natalie - @diamondblacksnaps

Instagram - @diamondblackofficial

Facebook - @diamondblackofficial

X - @dmondblk

Email us! mail@diamondblackofficial.com