This is very cool! According to The Guardian, during the most recent U.K. census over 6,000 citizens of England and Wales claimed Heavy Metal as the "religion" they choose to follow. Wait, there is more. It was also reported that more people registered Heavy Metal than they did Satanism. Actually, only 1,893 declared that they follow the church of Satan.
But who is to blame for thousands of people choosing "Heavy Metal" as their "religion"? We can all point the finger at the great folks over at Metal Hammer! Why is that? Well, three years ago, they launched a campaign urging Metal fans to officially register their faith as Heavy Metal while filling in the census questionnaire.
Additionally, SAXON's own Biff Byford became the proposed faith's "world Metal peace ambassador".
"Like a lot of good ideas, this one came about in a pub and the response online has been overwhelming. It only reinforces the belief that Heavy Metal remains strong in its U.K. birthplace and across the globe. If the Jedi can do it, then we can too. The only requirement to join our campaign is that you listen to Heavy Metal, our commandment: everything louder than everyone else." - Alexander Milas (Metal Hammer)
Byford told Independent.co.uk in 2010 that "heavy metal is a tribal music and everyone is a member of the tribe. The audience is very, very loyal… especially the Germans. It's not like pop music, where if the next song isn't good enough then forget about it; with our music, people will allow you to be shit sometimes, and that's one of the great things."
He added, "The music's not about love. Our songs are more about Richard The Lionheart, steel trains and thunder. But when you do click with a big audience, it can be quite an experience, a massive connection… I suppose you could say it is a religious experience in a way."
Via Blabbermouth.net
Related links:
Metal Hammer
Saxon
