Metal Fans Worldwide Demand Cultural Recognition With 'International Day Of Slayer' Holiday

For the fourth year in a row, fans of heavy metal music unite on June 6 for the International Day of Slayer, a holiday to celebrate heavy metal. Metal fans are hoping for recognition of their culture and way of life as an elective culture of equal footing to other cultures and religions in our pluralistic society.

Growing up as a fan of heavy metal in Los Angeles, teenager Dag Hansen became frustrated with holidays. "Every time a holiday came around, it was culture this or culture that," he said. "I wanted one to reflect my culture, because in the land of malls and triplicate forms, I found more cultural value in heavy metal than any of the stuff other people called culture."

Fast forward almost two decades and Hansen is part of a small group trying to get an "International Day of Slayer" accepted as a public holiday. Originally the National Day of Slayer, formed in response to the American "National Day of Prayer," the holiday has gained momentum over the last four years. Its message that heavy metal is a culture and deserves recognition alongside other cultures in our diverse world, while at first unorthodox, is gaining momentum.

In the past year, movements have gained momentum to make Vulcan (of "Star Trek" fame) a legitimate category on the census form and to declare heavy metal an official religion in the U.K. The International Day of Slayer is no different, but perhaps more focused. "We wanted a way to pay tribute to metal as a culture that didn't interfere with anything else," Hansen said. "A holiday is one day and while very symbolic, isn't going to break anything."

The International Day of Slayer as proposed occurs on June 6 of every year starting at 6:00 AM (6/6/6 - get it?). Participants are urged to listen to SLAYER at top volume, and not go to work or school so they can keep listening to SLAYER. Those interested in celebrating can join the like-minded at nationaldayofslayer.org.