Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The title is described as being a reference to time as the killer of innocence. The original cover featured a nude prepubescent girl, which stirred controversy in the U.K., U.S. and elsewhere. As a result, the album was re-issued with a different cover in some countries.
The year was 1976, and the German heavy metal band Scorpions embarked on a musical journey that would not only shape their career but also stir a maelstrom of controversy. Their fourth studio album, "Virgin Killer," marked a pivotal moment for the band as it catapulted them into international recognition.
Historical Prelude:
"Virgin Killer" not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also delved into thematic elements that sparked debates and raised eyebrows. The album's title itself, a poignant reference to time as the assailant of innocence, hinted at a deeper narrative that would soon captivate listeners worldwide.
Artistic Boldness and Backlash:
However, it was the original album cover that thrust "Virgin Killer" into the eye of a storm. Featuring a provocative image of a nude prepubescent girl, the cover sparked immediate controversy, particularly in the U.K., U.S., and various other regions. The band's artistic boldness collided with societal norms, leading to widespread debates on the fine line between artistic expression and societal sensibilities.
Global Response and Repercussions:
The controversial cover prompted swift action, with some countries opting to reissue the album with an alternative cover to quell the rising storm of public outcry. Despite the controversy, or perhaps fueled by it, "Virgin Killer" managed to resonate with audiences beyond Europe, marking a significant turning point in Scorpions' global trajectory.
Music Genre: Teutonic Hard Rock, Heavy Metal Music |
Record Label & Catalognr: RCA Victor PPL1 4225 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1977 Made in Italy |
Band Members and Musicians on: Scorpions Virgin Killer |
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Complete Track Listing of: "Virgin Killer" |
The Song/tracks on "Virgin Killer" are
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Photo of "Virgin Killer" Album's Back Cover |
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Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
The album cover was created by Storm Thorgerson of the design firm Hipgnosis and, as with earlier Scorpions album sleeves, courted controversy. However unlike several of their previous album sleeves the controversy did not result in the cover being replaced with an alternate sleeve.
Animal Magnetism (Netherlands Release) Animal Magnetism (France Fame Release)RCA Victor AFL1-5085 , 1984 , USA
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Best Of Scorpions Vol 2 12" Vinyl LP
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Crazy World 12" Vinyl LP- , 1974, -
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Fly to the Rainbow 12" Vinyl LP
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Gold Ballads (France) 12" Mini-LP Gold Ballads (Spain) 12" Mini-LP
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In Trance (Uncensored, England) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Black Label) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Germany) 12" Vinyl LPHarvest 2400071 , 1984 , France
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Love at First Sting 12" Vinyl LP
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Lovedrive (UK) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (Original Album Cover) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (FAME) 12" Vinyl LPEMI Electrola Harvest 064 7 47 794 / Breeze Music , 1988 , EEC
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Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LPRCA Victor NL 70615 C , 1975 , France
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The Scorpion 12" 3LP Box-Set
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Still Loving You 7" Single Still Loving You 12" Maxi-Single
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Taken by Force (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP Taken by Force (Italy) 12" Vinyl LPRCA Extra CL 28331-1 , 1978 , Germany
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Tokyo Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The title is described as being a reference to time as the killer of innocence, this is the original cover featured a nude prepubescent girl, which stirred controversy
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World Wide Live (Europe) 12" Vinyl LP World Wide Live (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP