In August 7, 1980, the Misfits recorded twelve songs at Master Sound Productions studios with the intention of releasing a full-length album.

The band's lineup at this time included singer Glenn Danzig, guitarist Bobby Steele, bassist Jerry Only, and drummer Arthur Googy.

In 2001, Caroline Records announced that they would be releasing the complete 1980 sessions on October 30 under the title 12 Hits from Hell, including an alternate take of "London Dungeon", and sent promotional copies of the album to the band members.

However, production was called off after Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only expressed concerns with the album's layout, packaging, liner notes, mixing and mastering.

[2] Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic gave 12 Hits from Hell three stars out of five, saying "This isn't an essential item and will probably appeal mostly to the legions of Misfits fanatics, who will no doubt savor these long-unreleased recordings.