SLAYER *Hell Awaits* NM- LP Banzai Records Canada

$

61

EVERYTHING'S EVENTUAL VINYL

 CANADIAN "BANZAI" PRESSING

 1985

**SLAYER**

**HELL AWAITS**

Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman. Slayer rose to mainstream fame with their 1986 release Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. Slayer's sales are in the estimated high 20 millions, although they have never publicly announced their sales worldwide. However, between the years 1991 and 2004, Slayer sold over 3.5 million albums in the U.S.

Slayer's musical style involve fast tremolo picking, double bass drumming, and shouted vocals. In the original lineup, King, bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, and guitarist Jeff Hanneman contributed to the band's lyrics, and most of the band's music was created and arranged by King and Hanneman, with additional help from drummer Dave Lombardo and sometimes Araya. The band's lyrics and album art, which cover topics such as serial killers, necrophilia, Satanism, religion, anti-religion, and warfare, have generated album bans, delays, lawsuits and criticism from religious groups and the public. Their music has been highly influential, often being cited by many bands as an influence musically, visually, and lyrically.

Since their debut album in 1983, the band has released two live albums, one box set, six videos, two extended plays, and elevenstudio albums, four of which have received gold certification in the United States. The band has received five Grammy nominations, winning two of them. One in 2007 for the song "Eyes of the Insane", and one in 2008 for the song "Final Six" (both from 2006'sChrist Illusion). Slayer has played music festivals worldwide, including Unholy Alliance, Download, and Ozzfest.

Hell Awaits is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released through Metal Blade Records in 1985. The band's previous release, Show No Mercy, became Metal Blade Records' highest selling release; as a result, producer Brian Slagel desired to release a second Slayer album. To that end, Slagel financed a recording budget (Show No Mercy was paid for by band members) and recruited several experienced producers to help in the studio.

Lyrical themes on Hell Awaits include hell and Satan, as their debut. The intro of the first track "Hell Awaits" played backwards reveals the repeated phrase "join us". Musically, the album features the band's most progressive and diverse work compared to their previous releases, and according to Kerry King, he and Jeff Hanneman were very into Mercyful Fate at the time, which then led to the longer and more progressive songs. Defined as "influential to future extreme metal acts," the most popular songs from Hell Awaits were re-recorded by various underground metal bands and have appeared on several tribute albums. Musicians such as singer Phil Anselmoand drummer Gene Hoglan cite Hell Awaits as an influence.

Slayer's previous album, Show No Mercy, became Metal Blade Records' highest selling release, selling 40,000 copies worldwide; the success inspired producer Brian Slagel to want another record from the band. Slagel hired producer Ron Fair, who worked for Chrysalis Records, and had seen the band perform live and enjoyed their performance. On seeing Slayer in the studio, Fair stated, "Wow, these guys are really angry," as he was inexperienced working with heavy metal musicians. Slagel financed the album, in stark contrast to Show No Mercy, which was financed by singer Tom Araya, who used his earnings as a respiratory therapist, and a loan from guitarist Kerry King's father. 

Although it did not enter any charts, Hell Awaits was hailed upon its release as Slayer's most progressive recording, featuring much darker thrash-oriented style, with unusual arrangements such as varying tempos, and dissonant nuances that "paved the way to a wholly distinctive sound all their own," according to AllMusic reviewer Eduardo Rivadavia. Rivadavia awarded the album four out of five stars, calling it an "irresistible force, but one could still make a confident point that Hell Awaits' uniquely daunting compositions arguably proved just as influential to future extreme metal acts." It has sold over 1,000,000 records worldwide according to Brian Slagel. 

In the book Legends of Rock Guitar, Hell Awaits was defined as "a psychotic exploration into the depths of Satanism and physical torture."  The book, a chronology of the great guitarists of rock which includes both Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, observed the band's evolution in comparison with their previous album, Show No Mercy, saying, "The musicianship is improved, as is lead singer Tom Araya's voice, making the band sound less like hacks and more like metal fiends. The sludgy riffs, which were pure [Black] Sabbath, are offset by some of King's and Hanneman's faster solos, giving Slayer entrée into the speed metal realm."

***BANZAI Records***

BRC 1930

Tracks Include : please see above

CONDITION

Jacket: NM- (In Shrink, 'Barcode' sticker on rear shrink)

Vinyl: NM-

Canadian Pressing of 

***SLAYER***

****HELL AWAITS****

Please see my other listings

I use the 'Goldmine' grading system. (NM, VG, G with appropriate +/-) NM would be my highest grade. I have endeavored to be as accurate in my assessment as I can. I will not sell LPs that appear to be in less of a condition than I myself would be happy to receive. The only exception would be truly rare discs and then any flaws would be clearly explained. Having been disappointed by the condition of a number of LPs purchased I am EXTREMELY sensitive to this issue and will try my best to grade with this in mind.

Buy with confidence

The Unusual:

PLEASE NOTE: AS OF MID FEBRUARY, CANADA POST WILL DISCONTINUE 'SURFACE MAIL' OPTION TO THE US

Payment expected within 5 days of auction's end. Will post PROMPTLY upon receipt of payment.

I do NOT make a profit on shipping. I charge only the exact postal rates as calculated by Canada Post.

U.S. 'Airmail' shipping is approx. $11.00

Please wait for invoice before paying to avoid any delay

I will ship 'Airmail' to Asia and Continental Europe at Canada Post's rate. Please request quote before bidding, thanks. Canada Post has discontinued 'Surface shipping'to the U.S.

Will refund purchase price if item is significantly different than my description and is returned in "as sent" condition within three days of receipt.

If Collectible LPs are what you’re looking for, bid with confidence.

Please see my other items for sale. Thanks for looking!