Take a look inside the 40th anniversary box set of “Hell Awaits” by Slayer

A new unboxing video for the upcoming 40th anniversary box set of Slayer‘s 1985 sophomore album “Hell Awaits” has just surfaced online if you’re interested in seeing what’s inside, as per theprp. This joyous edition, which includes a never-before-released live set from June 18, 1985, recorded at Zeche in Bochum, Germany, has been overseen by Metal Blade Records. A 60-page book, posters, flyers, several facsimile prints, and more are included as additional materials. That reissue, which will also be available in many media, has a May 15th release date. According to guitarist Kerry King, the LP is “the record where Slayer became Slayer.” You can get your box set by clicking here.

The American thrash metal group Slayer, based in Huntington Park, California, was founded in 1981 by drummer Dave Lombardo, bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, and guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman. Slayer was one of the “big four” bands of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, thanks to their fast-paced, violent sound. King, Araya, drummer Paul Bostaph, and guitarist Gary Holt make up Slayer‘s current lineup. Holt joined the band as a touring musician in 2011 before becoming a permanent member following Hanneman’s death in 2013; drummer Jon Dette was previously a member.

King, Hanneman, and Araya wrote lyrics for the band’s original lineup, while King and Hanneman wrote all of the music. The band’s songs and album art, which address subjects including racism, fascism, religion, terrorism, occultism, serial killers, and war, have led to lawsuits, delays, album bans, and criticism from religious organizations. Nonetheless, the band’s third album, “Reign in Blood” (1986), has been regarded as one of the heaviest and most influential thrash metal albums. Numerous bands have identified its songs as having a significant musical, visual, and lyrical influence.

Twelve studio albums, three live albums, a box set, six music videos, two extended plays, and a cover album were all released by Slayer. According to Nielsen SoundScan, Slayer sold 5 million copies in the US between 1991 and 2013. Four of the band’s studio albums have been certified gold in the US. The group has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, with the songs “Eyes of the Insane” and “Final Six” from the album “Christ Illusion” (2006) winning one each in 2007 and 2008, respectively. After their worldwide farewell tour ended in 2019, Slayer broke up, but since 2024, they have reconvened to play occasional reunion concerts.