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In the wake of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman's death, the directors of the
International Day of Slayer -- the Slayer-centric holiday that sprang to life
on 6/6/06 -- announce a change in the status the celebration of this year's
version of "the world's first heavy metal holiday."
"With the passing of Jeff Hanneman, it would be reasonable to assume
that the 2013 celebration of the International Day of Slayer would be a
somber one," said Hessian spokesperson and International Day of Slayer
CEO Jim Tate, "but nothing could be further from the truth. This year
more than any other demands full engagement and celebration from Slayer
fans and hessians across the globe." Tate explained that the term "Hessian,"
derived from the long-haired maniacal mercenaries of the revolutionary war,
is a term of cultural self-reference for metal fans.
He explained that the significance of the International Day of Slayer goes far
beyond Slayer. "The outside world was once again forced to reckon with us
as a cultural movement when they acknowledged the loss of one of metal's
most important figures, so it would be a mistake to simply hang our heads
and close up shop. Jeff made music that was loud and defiant, and we must
continue to uphold this standard in how we commemorate him and represent
the hessian community," said Tate.
Many commentators view Slayer as the "archetypal metal band" because of
their uncompromising approach, their weaving of a mythology combining
technology and occultism, and their unapologetic pursuit of a lifestyle apart
from what modern society considers normal. In fact, some consider Slayer
the saviors of heavy metal, which was veering toward the populist path
which would lead to its assimilation by rock music, and absorption into a
"metal-flavored" version of rock for sale as a mainstream product.
International Day of Slayer CTO Dag Hansen spoke up on this point.
"Pizza wasn't invented in Italy, Chinese restaurant food was invented in
New York, Sri Racha sauce was created in California, Dutch ovens aren't
Dutch and French fries have no relation to France," Hansen. said. "We don't
want metal to become another culture absorbed by the money machine and
turned into a pale imitation of itself."
"We at IDoS ask you to again stand up in the name of Slayer, in the name of
metal, and in the name of Jeff Hanneman, and remind the rest of the planet
that we are here, and we will not be going away anytime soon," said Tate.
"Good music is heroic and ultimately immortal, and now more than ever,
the music of Slayer is exactly that. They created the battle hymns that so
many of us have used to navigate our lives, ones we will continue to rely
upon to as the days ahead grow ever darker. We cannot let these works fade
with time. It is sometimes hard to remember that Slayer is comprised of
mortal men like ourselves, but with the proper dedication and stewardship,
their works can last a thousand years and join the ranks of masters like
Beethoven and Wagner. This is what we must strive for by insisting on
bands like Slayer for us and future generations."
Reminding listeners that as every year, this year the International Day of
Slayer will be on the same date, with the same agenda. "Join us. It is never
too late to make your voice heard. Metal is the mission, Slayer is our
weapon.
On June 6th, stand with us to celebrate as visibly as we can," said Tate.
"Don't go to work, listen to Slayer!"
The International Day of Slayer website exhorts users to:
* Listen to Slayer at full blast in your car.
* Listen to Slayer at full blast in your home.
* Listen to Slayer at full blast at your place of employment.
* Listen to Slayer at full blast in any public place you prefer.
DO NOT use headphones! The objective of this day is for everyone within
earshot to understand that it is the National Day of Slayer. National holidays
in America aren't just about celebrating; they're about forcing it upon
non-participants.
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