Metal Blade Records is set to release a special 40th anniversary edition of Slayer’s second album, *Hell Awaits*, on May 15, 2026. This reissue includes the original seven tracks along with 18 live songs from a 1985 concert in Bochum, Germany. Guitarist Kerry King described it as “the record where Slayer became Slayer.”
The vinyl box set, priced at $124.99, features three LPs: a Fire Splatter colored version of the original album and a two-LP set of the Bochum performance. Inside, fans will find a 60-page book, a replica ticket from the show, a tour laminate, a tour poster, a slipmat, band posters, a merch flyer, and a replica of a Satanic Wehrmacht newsletter.
For collectors, there’s a limited edition blood-filled vinyl version, limited to just 666 copies worldwide, priced at $161. There’s also a CD Earbook version available for $84.99, which includes three CDs with the same audio as the box set, plus a 60-page book and a poster.
Slayer formed in 1981, and *Hell Awaits* was released in April 1985. This album marked a significant change from their debut, *Show No Mercy*, featuring longer songs that surprised fans. Three of the seven tracks exceed six minutes, while most songs on their first album are under four minutes.
King noted that during the writing of *Hell Awaits*, he and Jeff Hanneman were influenced by Mercyful Fate’s *Melissa*, which contributed to the album’s longer tracks. Vocalist Tom Araya added that he didn’t find the songs hard to sing, as he always aimed to sing fast and clearly.
Pre-orders are available on the band’s website, with the blood-filled vinyl exclusive to select retailers.
