Diamonds to Dust

Diamonds to Dust was formed in Poughkeepsie New York in 2012. The band was formed on the premise that people with different experiences and stories could come together to make music. The original lineup consisted of Jenna Sedlak (Vocals), Matt Colgan (drums), Ryan Cuifo (Bass), Vincent Drummond (Guitar), Barry Elliott (Guitar, screaming vocals). Together they wrote their first single Ashes to Ashes. Shortly after the band went their separate ways due to their musical influences being too different and the members could not agree on a direction in which the band could move forward. In December of 2013 Barry Elliott decided to jump start Diamonds to Dust once again. This time he would use influences from metal, hard rock, post-hardcore and pop punk to create a solid foundation. By using bands such as A Day to Remember, Paramore, Breaking Benjamin, Four Years Strong, Skillet, Chunk No Captain Chunk, Killswitch Engage, and For Today, he began hitting the studio to record Diamonds to Dust debut album Faith Through Trials. With the recruitment of Joe Ayala (male vocals), Angelica Hogue (female vocals), Mike Odell (who joined December of 2014 on guitar), Nico Petroccitto (bass), and Melvin Hogue (drums) the lineup was completed. In the middle of 2014 Diamonds to Dust was signed to Manifest Records along with Poughkeepsie based Metalcore band If I Were You. After signing to Manifest Records Diamonds to Dust was able to release their debut album on October 31, 2014. Although Diamonds to Dust does not claim to be a Christian band, they share a lot of Christian elements. Barry Elliott states “I’m glad they accept that Melvin, Angelica and I are Christians and that we like to write Christian music, just like we accept their personal beliefs. It would not be right to call us a Christian band when only three members are Christian”. Diamonds to Dust has released three singles off of their debut album titled Ashes to Ashes, The Straight and Narrow and A Letter to Someone In need. As of July 2015 Diamonds to Dust has gone through a complete change in their lineup. Mike O’dell, Angelica Hogue and Nico Petroccitto have since exited the band. Mike O’dell was replaced by Joe Ayla who would still continue to do vocals, but would also take over the position of guitar, NIco Petroccitto was replaced by Bryan Corns on bass and Angelica Hogue was replaced by Gavin Morrison who has a variety of singing ranges. Gavin Morrison would also take over the positon of screamer in the band. Diamonds to Dust has played many shows as well as completed a tour which went from New York to Delaware. Diamonds to Dust released their new Ep Sense of Freedom July 1st 2016. On September 15th 2016 Diamonds to Dust went through another line up change. Vocalist Gavin Morrison and Joe Ayala along with bassist Bryan Corns had left the band. Gavin’s departure was due to not agreeing with the band’s message. Although he accepts the band has a Christian background he could no longer support something he did not believe in and decided that it was time for him to forge his own path as a solo artist. Joe Ayala got a promotion at his job and is now climbing the corporate latter which did not leave much time for him to commit to the band full-time. He also is starting his own family and must make that part of his life a main priority. Bryan Corns had to leave due to developing carpal tunnel in his wrist. Though it may be sad to see them go everyone is on excellent terms. This left the band with only 2 of its original members, Barry Elliott and Melvin Hogue. Barry Elliott would once again take over the screaming vocals, but he would also take over the singing vocals while still playing guitar. In November of 2016 Tyler Ronconi joined Diamonds to Dust as the lead guitarist and brought a new element to the band that had never existed before. In December 2016 Virginia Califano joined as the new bassist and vocalist, which would also revert the band back to its roots with having male and female singing. Also the band would be further solidified when they announced that they have become a complete Christian band. Melvin Hogue had this to say about the new line up “it is great that we are all on the same page musically and since we are all Christian it just makes it that much easier to write together. It is also easier being a 4 piece band, since there is just less people to worry about”. Diamonds to Dust Second full length album Aging of the Weary will be released March 17, 2017. We are a band dedicated to making music for the Lord Almighty.