Diamond Cast

Diamond Black

Go behind the scenes with Diamond Black, the dark rock band fronted by Ben Christo (The Sisters of Mercy), as they pull back the curtain on their creative journey. From songwriting secrets and recording sessions to the music industry’s hidden truths, Diamond Cast is where heavy riffs meet deep conversations. Join Ben, Adam, and Vincent as they discuss the stories behind the music, their influences, the highs and lows of band life, and the anthems that guide them through the darkness. Featuring special guests, fan Q&As, and uncensored banter, this podcast is more than just music—it's a community. New episodes every week. Tune in, turn it up, and let Diamond Cast guide you.

  1. MAY 17

    Songwriting, Identity & Ben’s Long-Lost Guitar Returns | Diamond Cast 072

    This week on Diamond Cast, we’re talking about identity — in music, in art, and in the instruments we carry with us for years. Ben’s long-lost guitar has finally returned, which sparks a wider conversation about why certain guitars become deeply personal and tied to creativity itself. We also discuss dream guest guitarists, the artists who continue to influence our songwriting, and how identity is explored through films like The Cable Guy, The Fisher King, and the work of Andy Kaufman. Along the way, Natalie goes on a passionate rant about Enduring Love, and Ben shares more details about his university songwriting lectures — including thoughts on formal music education, practice, performance, and whether there’s actually a “correct” way to hold a guitar pick. A thoughtful and surprisingly wide-ranging episode about art, performance, and the strange things that shape us creatively. 00:00 – Intro 00:34 – Welcome to the Black Charade 02:29 – Ben’s long-lost guitar returns 05:40 – Why instruments become part of our identity 07:53 – Dream guest guitarists 13:43 – The artists who stay with us creatively 16:12 – Natalie’s Enduring Love rant 20:42 – Identity in art: The Cable Guy, Andy Kaufman & The Fisher King 26:18 – Update on Ben’s university songwriting lectures 31:15 – Inside Ben’s songwriting class 35:25 – Is there a “correct” way to hold a pick? 38:50 – Formal lessons vs teaching yourself 42:35 – Does performing arts school help or hinder? 45:33 – Practice makes perfect? 47:18 – Performing in lecture rooms vs onstage ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    50 min

  2. MAY 10

    Why School Was Basically Tribal Warfare & Mental Health in Rock Music | Diamond Cast 071

    This week on Diamond Cast, we somehow end up deep in the psychology of school pencil cases, lunchboxes, band logos scribbled on bags, alternative fashion rebellion and the bizarre social hierarchies of growing up in the UK. We also answer your questions about the future of Diamond Black, whether bands should keep going forever, artists growing older, Iron Maiden, Meat Loaf, AC/DC, and how modern rock music approaches mental health and emotional struggle differently than it used to. Plus: – Adam finds vintage STAR SCREAM merch in the garage – School tie rebellion explained – Why carrying a sports bag could ruin your social life – Through The Misery’s original title – The strange rules of being “cool” at school – And a Patreon bonus segment involving “The Devil’s Flaming Hoof”... ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    38 min

  3. MAY 3

    Who Defines Rock? | Diamond Cast 070

    This week on Diamond Cast, we cover a lot of ground — from AC/DC & Iron Maiden and life on tour to a bigger question: Who actually gets to define rock music? We talk about Ben being out on tour with Ricky Warwick, meeting Jacoby Shaddix, and some classic AC/DC discussions (including the important question… what’s in Angus Young’s satchel?). From there, we dive into: – Iron Maiden being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – Whether awards and institutions really matter – Who defines genres and cultural influence – The idea of naming the sound Diamond Black is creating We also get into festivals, Eurovision (yes, really), talent shows, and the strange world of music industry recognition. Plus: new merch, upcoming shows, and a Patreon preview where Ben shares his story of appearing on a TV talent show. 00:00 – Intro 00:35 – Welcome 01:19 – Ben on tour with Ricky Warwick & AC/DC talk 02:57 – What’s in Angus Young’s satchel? 07:05 – Ignoring the naysayers 13:08 – Hanging out with Jacoby Shaddix 16:04 – New merch alert 18:36 – Jack In The Green & Hastings bike run 20:58 – Festivals: too hot or too wet? 26:16 – Iron Maiden & the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 31:20 – Who defines rock music? 37:03 – The most influential bands in culture 39:45 – Naming the Diamond Black sound 42:11 – Other Rock Hall inductees 45:50 – Eurovision: our thoughts 49:46 – Ben wrote a song for Eurovision 52:03 – Upcoming shows we're attending 54:20 – Do music awards matter? 56:05 – Talent shows: good or bad? 01:03:59 – Patreon preview: Ben’s talent show story ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    1h 5m

  4. APR 19

    Do Collaborations Change Your Sound? | Diamond Cast 069

    This week on Diamond Cast, we’re diving into collaboration — how it works, how it shapes music, and how you stay true to your identity while working with other artists. We answer fan questions following last week’s episode and go deep on: – How we work with guest musicians – Dream collaborations – Working with Andy from Therapy? – How collabs influence the sound of Diamond Black – Expanding creatively without losing identity – Writing from different perspectives and characters We also talk about some of our favourite collaborations in music, and the artists — even from completely different genres — we’d love to work with. Plus: coffee, outfits, selling clothes online… and Adam being mysteriously hidden this week. 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Coffee talk 05:08 – Outfits & selling clothes online 11:44 – Why Adam is hiding this week 13:00 – Fan questions from last week 13:24 – How we work with guest musicians 21:05 – Dream collaborations 26:10 – Working with Andy from Therapy? 29:07 – Diamond Black collaborating with other bands 30:14 – How collabs shape our sound & identity 33:34 – Expanding creatively while staying true 35:09 – Favourite collaborations in music 45:02 – Do we change our style when collaborating? 49:18 – Writing from a character perspective 50:51 – Unexpected dream collabs (different genres) ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    54 min

  5. APR 12

    Working With Your Heroes | Diamond Cast 068

    This week on Diamond Cast, we dive into collaboration — how we work with other artists, how guest vocals come together, and what it’s really like recording with musicians you’ve admired for years. From Ben stepping into a teaching role and breaking down vocal approaches, to working with artists like Chris Harms (Lord of the Lost) and connections to The 69 Eyes and Therapy?, we explore how different styles, voices and personalities shape a song. We also talk about: – Singing in different languages – How we choose guest vocalists – Where guest vocals fit within a track – The recording process behind collaborations – Adapting to different vocal styles – And the artists we’d love to collaborate with in the future Plus: a quick update on an upcoming merch drop. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:48 – Ben becomes a university teacher 04:44 – Singing in different languages & Ben’s lesson approach 09:56 – Adam on Melissa Auf der Maur 14:25 – Collaborating with Andy from Therapy? 17:18 – How we choose guest vocalists 18:24 – Where guest vocals fit in a song 19:20 – Recording guest vocals: process & workflow 21:28 – Working with Chris Harms (Lord of the Lost) 23:15 – What it means to work with your heroes 28:49 – Different vocal styles and approaches 31:52 – Incorporating other artists’ styles 36:15 – The 69 Eyes guest guitar moment 38:11 – Dream collaborations: who’s next? 44:09 – Upcoming merch drop ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    47 min

  6. MAR 22

    The Tortured Artist: Do You Need Suffering to Create? | Diamond Cast 067

    This week on Diamond Cast, we dive into the myth of the tortured artist. Do you actually need to suffer to create meaningful art — or is that just a story we’ve told ourselves for decades? We explore emotional intensity, creativity, discipline, and whether pain is a source of great work or something artists are expected to perform. From Richey Edwards to Van Gogh and Beethoven, we look at how suffering has been tied to artistic legacy. We also discuss how creativity evolves over time, whether songs change meaning depending on when they’re written, and the strange feeling of thinking something is incredible at night… then questioning it the next morning. Plus: a look at our new track “Where The Night Crawls”, and Natalie shares her guide to building a mindset for creativity and happiness. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:35 – 67 meme & Virtuosity movie talk 04:51 – This week’s topic: the tortured artist 06:31 – Feeling things intensely 07:38 – Do you need suffering to create? 11:12 – Richey Edwards & the Manic Street Preachers 15:27 – Tin foil hat theories 17:32 – Van Gogh, Beethoven & artistic suffering 18:25 – The role of discipline in creativity 20:17 – Tortured artists & empathy 24:18 – New song: Where The Night Crawls 30:14 – Writing the same subject at different stages of life 37:30 – Late-night genius vs morning doubt 40:49 – Natalie’s guide to creativity & happiness 47:45 – Final thoughts 48:45 – Patreon bonus discussion ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    50 min

  7. MAR 22

    The Tortured Artist: Do You Need Suffering to Create? | Diamond Cast 067

    This week on Diamond Cast, we dive into the myth of the tortured artist. Do you actually need to suffer to create meaningful art — or is that just a story we’ve told ourselves for decades? We explore emotional intensity, creativity, discipline, and whether pain is a source of great work or something artists are expected to perform. From Richey Edwards to Van Gogh and Beethoven, we look at how suffering has been tied to artistic legacy. We also discuss how creativity evolves over time, whether songs change meaning depending on when they’re written, and the strange feeling of thinking something is incredible at night… then questioning it the next morning. Plus: a look at our new track “Where The Night Crawls”, and Natalie shares her guide to building a mindset for creativity and happiness. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:35 – 67 meme & Virtuosity movie talk 04:51 – This week’s topic: the tortured artist 06:31 – Feeling things intensely 07:38 – Do you need suffering to create? 11:12 – Richey Edwards & the Manic Street Preachers 15:27 – Tin foil hat theories 17:32 – Van Gogh, Beethoven & artistic suffering 18:25 – The role of discipline in creativity 20:17 – Tortured artists & empathy 24:18 – New song: Where The Night Crawls 30:14 – Writing the same subject at different stages of life 37:30 – Late-night genius vs morning doubt 40:49 – Natalie’s guide to creativity & happiness 47:45 – Final thoughts 48:45 – Patreon bonus discussion ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    50 min

  8. MAR 8

    Famous People, Strange Stories & The History of Our Hometowns | Diamond Cast 065

    This week on Diamond Cast we’re talking about our hometowns — and the surprising stories, strange history, and famous figures connected to them. From Bristol’s incredible Clifton Suspension Bridge to Aleister Crowley dying in Hastings, we dive into some of the unusual cultural history tied to the places we grew up. Along the way we discuss Star Trek, Black Mirror, H.G. Wells, Concorde, David Bowie, the birthplace of television, legendary bands like Madness and X-Ray Spex, and even Darwin’s On The Origin of Species. It turns out the towns that shape us often have far stranger stories than we realise. Timestamps: 00:00 – Start 01:12 – Ben’s caffeine-fuelled day 05:10 – This week’s topic: our hometowns 07:43 – Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge 12:00 – Aleister Crowley & Hastings history 16:37 – Our love of Star Trek & Black Mirror 24:47 – H.G. Wells 31:28 – Concorde: the supersonic plane 35:26 – The birthplace of television & Wetherspoons debate 42:22 – David Bowie 45:34 – Bristol accents 48:26 – Musical icons: Madness & X-Ray Spex 52:19 – Darwin’s On The Origin of Species ************************************************ Join the Diamond Black Community: Support the band and get an extra 15 minutes of Diamond Cast every week on Patreon: 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

    55 min
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About

Go behind the scenes with Diamond Black, the dark rock band fronted by Ben Christo (The Sisters of Mercy), as they pull back the curtain on their creative journey. From songwriting secrets and recording sessions to the music industry’s hidden truths, Diamond Cast is where heavy riffs meet deep conversations. Join Ben, Adam, and Vincent as they discuss the stories behind the music, their influences, the highs and lows of band life, and the anthems that guide them through the darkness. Featuring special guests, fan Q&As, and uncensored banter, this podcast is more than just music—it's a community. New episodes every week. Tune in, turn it up, and let Diamond Cast guide you.

Information

  • Creator
    Diamond Black
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Diamond Black
  • Show Website
    Diamond Cast