

June 6, 2006 -- 06-06-06, numerically -- was designated as the International Day of Slayer by an L.A.-based fan who wanted Slayerites to unite in celebration of all that is unholy and Slayer-iffic. The celebration is now entering its fourth year and Slayerholics are encouraged to stage 'Slay outs,' where they skip work in favor of listening to Slayer at full blast in their cars, homes, places of employ and any public space they prefer. Headphones are considered an offense to the movement!

The folks behind this cause did point out that national holidays in America aren't just about celebrating; they're about forcing it upon non-participants. I can't really argue with them on that one, so why not have a metalhead holiday revolving around Slayer?

Nevertheless, the International Day of Slayer is embarking on year four and fans are attempting to get the day accepted as a public holiday. You can support the cause by visiting NationalDayOfSlayer.org. Noisecreep rounded up guitarist Kerry King to get his take on the IDOS.

"I didn't know it was recurring," King told Noisecreep. "I thought it was only for 06-06-06. I've not kept up on it, but I think it's awesome. I am in the band, so it's not something that I follow like a fan would, but I think it's totally cool that fans have taken the time to maintain it!"

King was also quick to point out the humorous suggestions by the IDOS principals -- such as throwing a huge block party that clogs up a street in your neighborhood, blasting Slayer albums all evening and getting police cruisers and helicopters on the scene or spray painting Slayer logos on churches, synagogues or cemeteries -- should be taken in jest and not enacted seriously. "I can't say that I condone all that, but it's interesting. It's obviously tongue-in-cheek, but if the wrong person takes it seriously and does it, it'll get blamed on us. We have nothing to do with it!" So take those words from Mr. King to heart and celebrate IDOS responsibly.

King thanked the organizers for their steadfast support and said, "Keep it up. I think Slayer should have a national holiday! There are enough stupid ones out there, so why not have one for us?" Amen to that!

And what would Kerry King do to celebrate IDOS? "I'd have a party, either with me and my favorite bottle and whomever I want to hang with and bro with for a bro day or a hot chick, if it's that kind of day," King said.