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Slayer Celebrates 40 Years with Hell Awaits Reissue

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Slayer, the thrash metal band, will release a 40th anniversary edition of Hell Awaits on May 15, 2026, via Metal Blade Records.
The reissue will include a vinyl box set, a blood-filled vinyl limited to 666 copies, and a CD edition.
The vinyl box set includes remastered album and an 18-track live album recorded in Bochum, Germany, in 1985.
Guitarist Kerry King said, "It’s the record where Slayer became Slayer."

History

Historical Context

Slayer's "Hell Awaits," released on April 8, 1985, marked a significant evolution in thrash metal, showcasing darker themes and complex arrangements. Following the success of their debut album, "Show No Mercy," which sold over 40,000 copies, Slayer's progressive sound influenced future extreme metal bands, solidifying their status among the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

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Story summary

Slayer, the thrash metal band, will release a 40th anniversary edition of Hell Awaits on May 15, 2026, via Metal Blade Records.
The reissue will include a vinyl box set, a blood-filled vinyl limited to 666 copies, and a CD edition.
The vinyl box set includes remastered album and an 18-track live album recorded in Bochum, Germany, in 1985.
Guitarist Kerry King said, "It’s the record where Slayer became Slayer."

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