“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.

Vinyl Box Set: 3 LPs total: 7-track Hell Awaits + 18-track live bonus audio (Live from Bochum 1985)

60-page book (12" size), Hell Awaits album (in gatefold sleeve, 1xLP) 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 (in gatefold sleeve, 2xLP) - 18 live tracks never before released physically or digitally, 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

CD Earbook: Earbook includes 3xCDs - 7-track Hell Awaits CD + 18-track live bonus audio (Live from Bochum 1985):

Hell Awaits album (1xCD) mastered and restored from original 1985 production tapes by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony in February 2025, Live from Bochum 1985 (2x CD) 18 live tracks never before released physically or digitally, 60-page 11" book, poster