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Poughkeepsie Brothers Put Their Faith In Christian Metal Band

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- It's not often you hear heavy metal Christian music but brothers Barry Elliott (vocals/screams/guitar) and Melvin Hogue (drums) of Poughkeepsie believe that kind of music has a following.

A new song from Diamonds to Dust album "The Aging Of The Weary."

Photo Credit: Manifest Records
Diamonds to Dust from left to right: Tyler Ronconi, Virginia Califano, Melvin Hogue, and Barry Elliott.

Diamonds to Dust from left to right: Tyler Ronconi, Virginia Califano, Melvin Hogue, and Barry Elliott.

Photo Credit: Karissa Pasquarella

Their band, Diamonds to Dust, which also includes Tyler Ronconi of Wappingers Falls on lead guitar and Singer Virginia Califano of Cold Spring, recently made the switch from post-hardcore music with a pop twist to a full-fledged Christian band, with lyrics centered around faith.

The band has been in existence since 2012 but added Califano and Ronconi in Fall 2016, just about when Elliott and Hogue changed their focus.

They have since produced their first album under that genre, though it's the band's third release overall. “Aging of the Weary” came out March 17 and tells the story of someone who has grown tired, weary, and hopeless from wandering the world, who then finds Christ and has a renewed faith, purpose, and joy. 

When Califano and Ronconi joined Elliott in the recording studio in November, he had about half of the album done. "He had most of the lyrics, and I wrote the vocal melodies picking and choosing and tinkering the lyrics he gave me.,' said Califano.

The album was recorded at Pasquarella Recordings in Wappingers Falls and is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon.

According to Califano, what makes the album unique is its diverse nature and bold message. 

"The combination of male/female singing, scream vocals, and heavy but melodic guitar help us appeal to a wide range of tastes," she said. "And, the fact that we are a heavy band that sings about God is pretty different! 

"It may seem like an oxymoron to be 'metal' and 'Christian,' but it’s really not."

Look for details on upcoming shows in the area via the band's Facebook page

Go HERE for their new video.

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