Slayer revels in 6/6/06 date

The ominous date marked the release of their new album, 'Eternal Pyre.'
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
In case you're keeping track at home, the world didn't end on 6/6/06.
In fact, while doomsayers warmed of the apocalypse, Slayer bassist Tom Araya reveled in the day but not for the reason you might think. Sure, a metal band playing up the satanic aspect of the sign of the beast is a bit cliched; however, Araya was busy lighting candles in celebration.
"That's a great day," said Araya, calling from New Jersey. "People were saying, 'This is doomsday.' That was my birthday. It's an awesome day."
Publicists couldn't dream up a better scenario and Slayer couldn't resist taking advantage of the once in a century calendar date by releasing its brand-new EP "Eternal Pyre," which includes new track "Cult." This mini-release acts as an appetizer for fans, who can expect full-length album "Christ Illusion" in August.
More importantly, it's the first release by all original members -- Araya, Kerry King (guitar), Jeff Hanneman (guitar) and Dave Lombardo (drums) -- since 1990's "Season in the Abyss." Even though Slayer is nearing the quarter of a century mark, it feels like a new chapter for the influential speed/thrash metal act.
Perhaps even more surprising is the fact Slayer remains relevant in a metal world that has reinvented itself more times than they can count. Even more surreal for the band members is the fact the group has achieved elder status among today's contemporary groups.
Influence factor
"When people say we're an influence, we say, 'Wow,'" Araya said. "We don't know how to respond to that because it's not something we sit around and think about. It's flattering and with some of these bands you kind of wonder, 'What part of your band did we influence?' Because you don't really hear it. But I just think it's the attitude. 'They did their own noise and we can do it, too.'"
Proving Slayer's stranglehold on the metal scene is the debut of its own touring festival. "Unholy Alliance Tour: Preaching To The Perverted" is scheduled to pull into Cleveland for a show June 30 at the Tower City Amphitheater.
The powerful tour features Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, Mastodon, and Thine Eyes Bleed with Slayer headlining. Araya isn't coy when discussing the reason behind the tour.
"Basically it's an alternative for [Ozzfest], because there's a lot of kids out there that don't really care for Ozzfest," Araya said.
Future
Araya said the future of Slayer remains bright based on the fact the band is producing its best music to date, as well as a phenomenon he's witnessed firsthand where original fans pass the music down to new generations.
It's almost a rite of passage among old school metal lovers to turn someone on to Slayer's definitive 1986 classic "Reign of Blood." So did Araya know at the time the album would have lasted two decades?
"Hell no," Araya said. "In our case, we had a dream and the dream was to be in a band. It just kind of took off on its own.