RELEASED FRIDAY 15 MAY 2026
“It’s the record where Slayer became Slayer.” That’s what Kerry King says about Hell Awaits. And he knows of what he speaks. As the band’s guitarist, co-songwriter and co-lyricist, he was in the trenches with vocalist/bassist Tom Araya, guitarist Jeff Hanneman (R.I.P.) and drummer Dave Lombardo, creating what has become one of heavy metal’s greatest albums.
A significant departure from Slayer’s 1983 debut, Show No Mercy—and every Slayer album that came after it—Hell Awaits is both an outlier and a solidification of form. Show No Mercy was the mission statement, but Hell Awaits is a more developed and intricate execution of Slayer’s speed, chops, and aggression.
Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Hell Awaits is the second studio album by American thrash metal masters, Slayer. The crucial album was initially released on April 8th 1985, by Metal Blade Records, who, in honor of Hell Awaits's 40th anniversary, will be unleashing unique physical releases, along with a digital release for fans.
3LP VINYL BOXSET
Hell Awaits (1-LP, restored original master), Live from Bochum 1985 (2-LP, unreleased live show from 1985)
* 60-page book (12” size - numerous photos and liner notes)
* Hell Awaits (1-LP in a gatefold sleeve), mastered and restored from original 1985
production tapes by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in February 2025.
* Vinyl color = Fire Splatter
* Live from Bochum 1985 (2-LP in a gatefold sleeve)
* 18 unreleased live tracks from 1985!
* Vinyl = 180g Black
* Replica ticket from the Bochum show
* Replica Hell Awaits tour laminate
* Hell Awaits Tour poster (German dates)
* Slipmat
* Band posters
* Replica merch flyer
* Replica Satanic Wehrmacht newsletter
* 2 flyers
3CD BOXSET
Hell Awaits (40th Anniversary Edition)
* 3-CD Earbook: Hell Awaits (1-CD, restored original master), Live from Bochum 1985 (2-CD, unreleased live show from 1985)
* 60-page earbook (numerous photos and liner notes)
* Hell Awaits (1-CD), mastered and restored from original 1985 production tapes by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in February 2025
* Live from Bochum 1985 (2-CDs) 18 unreleased live tracks from 1985!
* Poster