Slayer is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their landmark 2nd album, Hell Awaits, with a special reissue set for release on May 15, 2026.
Originally released on April 8, 1985, this album is described by guitarist Kerry King as the record where "Slayer became Slayer".
For this special edition Metal Blade Records contacted me to use some of my live and backstage photos taken back in 1985 when Slayer played their first show overseas at the Heavy Sound Festival in Belgium. It was the largest show they had done up to that point, and the band was blown away by the number of people there to see them.
The upcoming reissue through Metal Blade Records includes restored audio from the original 1985 production tapes.
3 LP Vinyl Box Set:
Features the original album on "Fire Splatter" vinyl and the previously unreleased Live from Bochum 1985 on two additional LPs. It includes a 60-page book, a slipmat, posters, and various tour memorabilia replicas like tickets and laminates.
"Blood" Filled Liquid Vinyl:
An ultra-limited edition of 666 copies, available exclusively through the Slayer Official Store.
3 CD Earbook:
Contains the remastered album and the full Bochum live show, accompanied by a 60-page book. Digital Edition includes all 25 tracks from the Anniversary Edition (original album + live bonus audio).
Since Metal Blade Records has already sent me the Hell Awaits 40th Anniversary Box Set, I wanted to do a "unboxing video" focusing on my contribution to this Slayer's 40th Anniversary collection.
Unfortunately, the customs officers at the Mauritian post office took a different view of this package addressed to me. After making me open each and every item, they decided to randomly charge me taxes (in cash, no less) on the books and CDs I had received as samples from the record label.
Refusing this state corruption, I left the package there and am therefore publishing the official unboxing video from Metal Blade Records.
