40 years ago, Hell Awaits dragged Slayer out of the abyss and onto the road, armed with nothing but their music and a thirst for destruction. This collection retraces that first assault, guided by the band’s original tour notebook*. This blue cover holds the battle plans for four furious weeks, March 15 to April 19, 1985, when Hell Awaits began its march on the world.
1. Proof copy of the Hell Awaits album insert with handwritten corrections, 1985, just before the album was unleashed upon an unsuspecting public. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
2-6. Rare original promotional copy of the Hell Awaits LP, complete with the order form insert for fans to purchase merch and fan club memberships, 1985. Album sleeve collage by photographer Lowell Katz. Back cover photos by Harald Oimoen. Album cover art by Albert Cuellar. From the Collection of Kerry King
7. Doug Goodman's All-Access laminate pass from the Hell Awaits tour, 1985. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
8-9. Slayer backstage during the Hell Awaits tour, 1985. From the Collection of Doug Goodman
*Credit to Doug Goodman for holding the line and keeping this notebook safe. Four decades later, it stands as a rare document from the front lines of the Hell Awaits tour.
VIDEO:
Kerry King reveals the inspiration behind the backward "Join us" chant on "Hell Awaits" in this Slaytanic Verses exclusive interview, 2025. From the Collection of Slayer
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