If there is one thing that can be said about the thrash metal Band, SLAYER, it would definitely have to be that they have the most loyal fan base on the planet! Their fans live and breathe ‘All Things Slayer’! The bands nefarious lyrics, combined with the duet of growling guitars and overall ominous presence have been known to produce mosh pits that are colossal in size and notorious throughout the world for being extremely brutal! Despite their slightly sacrilegious stage theatrics, SLAYER is far from being the satanic devil worshipers which they have been labeled.

By the same token, not all Slayer fans are the homicidal maniacs one might envision. Many are ordinary, hard-working people who simply share an extreme love for the band. Some have even formed groups on various social media sites such as Facebook, for the sole purpose of paying homage to the band. One of these online groups is known as The S.S.213. The abbreviated letters specify that the members have loyally proclaimed themselves to be ‘Slaytanic Soldiers’ and the number ‘213’ refers to a favored SLAYER song regarding the apartment number which Jeffery Dahmer reportedly committed a large portion of cannibalistic murders.

To some, members of the S.S.213 might brandish a slightly harsher exterior, appearing to be somewhat morbid in nature and can perhaps be a bit overwhelming, especially to those unfamiliar with the heavy metal lifestyle. Most people would probably not think twice before hurrying down the opposite side of the street, away from these rough-looking characters. However, looks can be deceiving because this assumption could not be more wrong. In reality, members of the S.S.213 are some of the kindest, friendliest, most generous and well-mannered people that one could only dream of meeting. The group tries to get together as often as possible by holding rallies that are usually centered around the up and coming SLAYER concerts. This select group maintains the maximum capacity of only 213 members, each one unique in his/her own right. Although these fans may appear quite small in numbers, this crew is most definitely larger than life!  The founding members, Eric Webb, Brendan ‘Blue’ Garcia, Ed Berg, Michael ‘Mud Pig’ Moreno and Brandy Schwertner-Gutierrez, initially met online, through one commonality shared between them all; their love of SLAYER.

Eric Webb: “I didn’t want to be in FSG anymore but their first and only rally was coming up in California. I knew my time was coming to an end, but since the trip had already been bought and paid for, I decided that I was quitting the FSG after the rally which I did as soon as I got back. I contacted Blue, Ed, Mud Pig, Brandy and Mike and made them my admins.”

Blue: “At first, we were in another group and they started talking a bunch of shit about Tom Araya and his wife, Sandra. So we quit and started our own thing. It’s grown from the few original members to 213 of the coolest people I’ve ever met. That’s why we call it the ‘Family’! ”

Ed Berg: “Originally, we were all members in a different Slayer fan club/support group, but because the group was putting Slayer down and talking bad about front man, Tom Araya and his wife Sandra, I quit the group. Eventually I ended up meeting Blue and Eric. We got together and decided to start our own group. Low and behold, here we are! ”

And here is where they shall remain!

The S.S. 213 openly welcomes people of all race, color, creed, religion, having absolutely zero tolerance for anyone displaying any forms of prejudice opinions, whatsoever. The administrators are very selective, as well they should be! They have worked very hard to maintain a collective persona which represents the group, as a whole. Not to mention developing a relationships with the entire Araya family. The process of choosing a new member begins when the prospective follower sends in a request to join the group. The admins then scroll through the person’s Facebook page looking for certain characteristics which help them decide and then openly vote on the individuals’ entry into the 213.

There are, of course, guidelines by which the members are expected to adhere. First and foremost, the members must treat others with the utmost respect. This includes not only the band, to whom they glorify, but all other members and the admins as well. The other prerequisite for admission, is simply to possess an undying love for the band; SLAYER.

Members of the 213 hail from all over the world, starting as far as the Northern most regions of Canada, extending over into European countries such as Sweden, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, into the United Kingdom, down to the Southern-most continent of Australia, where the 3 members are affectionately known as the Aussie Posse. The SS 213 reach extends across the Atlantic, up into South America and Brazil,  through Panama, and then finally making way into the United States!!

So what exactly is it about the S.S.23 that makes this group so special? When the group originally began, they were an internet-based fan club, via Facebook. Since they have expanded, there have been lifelong friendships forged, relationships established, engagements and even a wedding among some of the 213 members!

Along with the camaraderie and their love of SLAYER, the group rallies are the definitely the highlight of being a member! They are really quite special and most definitely something to experience first-hand! Current members, their significant others, their children, other family members and beyond are invited to meet up at a specified rendezvous point usually chosen in accordance with an up and coming SLAYER show.

A tremendous amount of preparation goes into planning a rally! Members spend months planning the trip, correlating itinerary with one another, making hotel reservations, booking flights, bus or train rides, etc. All of this is done in order to plan the perfect trip and see the perfect show, with 213 of the closest SLAYER fans around! It is difficult to explain the whole concept to an outsider. Perhaps it would be best described as a ‘memorable moment in life that you couldn’t understand unless you have actually experienced it’.

The hardest part of the rally is when it comes to an end. As tears, hugs and handshakes must suffice to say goodbye until next time, the memories made will be treasured for a lifetime. Speaking as one who has experienced a rally firsthand, I can honestly say that my life will never be the same. For I too, am also proud to be a member, of The Mighty S.S. 213!