Pro-Ject Scorpions ‘Blackout’ Edition

The Pro-Ject Scorpions Turntable continues a recent run of high-profile themed editions from the Austrian brand. Last year saw Pro-Ject release limited models paying tribute to Elvis Presley, honouring the iconic Peanuts comic strip’s 75th anniversary, and a bold AC/DC-themed deck inspired by the band’s visual identity. These special editions have underscored Pro-Ject’s willingness to blend music culture and analogue hardware in ways that appeal to collectors and audiophiles alike.

The Blackout edition features the album’s striking cover artwork, widely regarded as one of the most provocative images of the era. Designed by Vienna-born artist Gottfried Helnwein, the image depicts a bandaged figure mid-scream with forks pointed toward the eyes, part of a series of hyper-real self-portraits exploring pain, trauma and identity. The artwork pre-dates the album itself, with Scorpions members Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine later discovering the image and securing permission to use it largely unchanged.

Released in 1982, Blackout went on to become one of the band’s defining records, with Rolling Stone ranking it 73rd on its list of The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. Its title track has its own rock-and-roll backstory, reportedly inspired by a legendary night of partying involving members of Judas Priest and Def Leppard — an episode guitarist Schenker later described as the literal origin of the word “blackout”.

Pro-Ject’s latest artist edition is built on the company’s T2 turntable platform, using a belt-drive design and precision-engineered mechanics. The enlarged CNC-machined plinth is constructed without plastic components and designed to eliminate hollow spaces, thereby reducing unwanted resonance. A 10 mm, 1.7 kg glass platter is used to further control vibration, supported by vibration-absorbing feet to isolate the deck from its surroundings.

The turntable is fitted with a 9-inch straight aluminium tonearm featuring low-friction bearings and an integrated headshell to minimise vibration. A spring-based anti-skating system allows fine adjustment, while the deck comes pre-fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick it 25A moving-magnet cartridge, factory-set and ready to play out of the box.

Heinz Lichtenegger, CEO of Pro-Ject Audio Systems, said the release was designed to balance visual impact with serious analogue performance:

The Scorpions are one of the most influential rock bands of all time. This special edition turntable is designed for audiophiles, collectors and dedicated fans. It offers superb performance alongside an unmistakable visual presence.

The Pro-Ject Scorpions ‘Blackout’ Turntable is handmade in Europe and available now by special order, priced at £629 | €649, with other regions to be confirmed.

For more information visit Pro-Ject