"Hell Awaits" is the second studio album by the American thrash metal band Slayer, released on April 8, 1985, under Metal Blade Records. This seminal album solidified Slayer's position in the heavy metal genre and is often regarded as a cornerstone of thrash metal. With a total of seven tracks, "Hell Awaits" showcases the band's intense musical style, characterized by aggressive guitar riffs, rapid drumming, and dark lyrical themes. The album opens with the eponymous track, "Hell Awaits," setting a tone of ferocious energy and intricate musicianship. Other notable tracks include "Praise of Death" and "At Dawn They Sleep," which further explore themes of violence and the occult. The production quality of "Hell Awaits" reflects the raw energy of Slayer's live performances, making it a significant release during the mid-1980s metal scene. "Hell Awaits" is recognized for its influence on the genre, contributing to the development of speed and thrash metal, and remains a pivotal work in Slayer's discography. The album is frequently cited in discussions of classic heavy metal records and is essential for understanding the evolution of metal music in the 1980s.