Cesare Bonizzi

Father Cesare Bonizzi, OFMCap (born 15 March 1946), also known as "Frate Cesare" and mistakenly as "Fratello Metallo" ("Brother Metal") is an Italian Capuchin friar, who was known as a heavy metal singer. Actually, "Fratello Metallo" is the name that Frate Cesare gave to Heavy Metal, not to himself.

Cesare Bonizzi, OFMCap
Bonizzi in 2008
Bonizzi in 2008
Background information
Also known asFrate Cesare
Fratello Metallo
Born (1946-03-15) 15 March 1946
Offanengo, Cremona, Italy
GenresHeavy metal, hard rock, Christian metal
Occupation(s)friar and religious priest, musician, singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1990–2009
WebsiteFrateCesare.com

Biography

Bonizzi was born in Offanengo, in the Province of Cremona, Italy. He entered the Capuchin Order in 1975, and subsequently carried out missionary work in the Ivory Coast. After returning to Italy he was ordained a priest in 1983.[1] Since 1990 he has been interested in using music as a means of contemplation and spiritual devotion, and he has released numerous albums in various styles from new age to rock. After seeing Metallica in concert, however, he became passionate about heavy metal as a musical vehicle.[1] According to him, "Metal is the most energetic, vital, deep and true musical language that I know."[2] He currently lives in the convent of Musocco, a district of Milan. In late 2009, he announced that he would no longer perform, because "The devil has separated me from my managers, risked making me break up with my band colleagues and also risked making me break up with my fellow monks. He lifted me up to the point where I become a celebrity and now I want to kill him."[3]

Music

Although Bonizzi's full transformation to heavy metal is only found on Fratello Metallo's 2008 release Misteri, Bonizzi has recorded numerous albums in various musical genres. With his new style of music, which he calls "Metrock" as a combination of metal and rock, he was the opening act at 2008's Gods of Metal, Italy's largest heavy metal festival.[1] Bonizzi performed in full Franciscan habit.

Discography
  • Droghe
  • Primi Passi
  • L'Eucredo
  • Il La Cristiano
  • Straordinariamente Ovvio
  • Maria Ed "Io"
  • Come Fiamma
  • Vie Crucis
  • Fede Ballare
  • Assisi Oggi
  • Misteri

References
  1. "Padre Cesare, The Capuchin Missionary Who Plays Metal Music". IberPress. 18 June 2008. Archived from the original on 13 August 2008.
  2. "Friar to open heavy metal concert". ItalyMag.co.uk. 26 June 2008. Archived from the original on 24 May 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2008.
  3. "Heavy metal monk hangs up his mic". ABC Online. Reuters. 13 November 2009.


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