The Ayatollah of Rock-n-Roll-a?
Brother Cesare Bonizzi is a 62 year old Capuchin monk and former missionary from Italy. He attended a Metallica concert 15 years ago and found himself hooked on heavy metal:
"I was overwhelmed and amazed by the sheer energy of it."
He performs regularly with his own heavy metal band and he's just released his second album.
Cesare insists that he's not trying to convert listeners to Catholicism through his music. Instead, he claims, through his music he is teaching listeners about life. [BBC Story & Video] [YouTube video]
I doubt it, the Chant albums have been WAY more popular than this guy (you've probably never heard of him until now).
It's a gimmick. He is preaching feelings through music. The "religion" is just part of the monk act. Even though he really is a friar, he isn't behaving like one.
for some "not really legit" monks, but definitely loud, droning metal, check out sunn o))). some love them, some hate them. if you're like me, i'm indifferent:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=sunn%20o)))&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Highway: "Well, it seemed like the thing to do, sir."