"Welcome to Hell" is Toy Machine’s second full-length skateboarding video, released in 1996 and widely considered one of the most influential skate videos of its era. The video opens with a scathin... View more

"Welcome to Hell" is Toy Machine’s second full-length skateboarding video, released in 1996 and widely considered one of the most influential skate videos of its era. The video opens with a scathing montage of American culture and explosive skating to Lard’s “Power of Lard.” It features standout parts from Mike Maldonado, Elissa Steamer, Brian Anderson, Stava Leung, Donny Barley, Ed Templeton, and Jamie Thomas. Tricks include huge stair sets, wall rides, roof gaps, and creative lines over cars and urban features. The finale showcases Thomas’s jaw-dropping rail skills, ending in a 20-stair 50-50. The video concludes with a brutal slam section, capturing the painful cost of progression in skateboarding. "Welcome To Hell" showcased a new generation of skaters, defining the mid-90s skate scene with its powerful editing, impactful soundtrack, and raw street skating. Jamie Thomas, who helped rebuild Toy Machine, directed and edited the video, learning computer editing to align skating with music. Ed Templeton, 24 at the time, contributed a key part and heavily influenced skate style with his fashion and art. Donny Barley, known for power pushing and East Coast grit, delivered one of the year’s standout parts alongside his section in Underachievers: Eastern Exposure 3. Barley worked closely with Thomas during filming and shared vivid memories from the chaotic tour—like Roman candle wars and getting a DUI. Chad Muska was heavily involved in the project, having filmed nearly a full part with Jamie Thomas. Despite being plagued by injuries, Muska was given the final part in the original version and had plans to follow it up with a second section. However, just before the final version was to be completed, a computer crash caused the San Diego premiere to be canceled. The incident devastated everyone involved, particularly Muska, who was intoxicated at the time. A heated argument led to his departure from Toy Machine. His footage was later split between the TSA video and Shorty’s first video, but his full part was never publicly shown until its release on the DVD, after seven years in Jamie Thomas’s archive. Supporting Images: The original VHS slipcase for "Welcome To Hell", still featuring Chad Muska. (Photo Source: TheSecretTape) Show less