Bergfried Romantik III CD (Slipcase, 2025, High Roller Records)

Following Romantik I (2022) and Romantik II (2023), Austrian-Hungarian duo Bergfried return with Romantik III - their first release on High Roller Records and the grand finale of the trilogy. The project unites multi-instrumentalist Erech von Lothringen with vocalist Anna de Savoy, continuing their unique blend of melancholic heavy metal, theatrical storytelling, and classic hard-rock flair.

Though known across the underground for numerous projects often linked to black metal, Erech von Lothringen’s vision for Bergfried draws from far broader influences. Originally intended as a Grime Stone Records–style project, the music evolved into something more melodic, rock-driven, and rooted in 70s/80s hard rock, AOR, and traditional heavy metal. On Romantik III, Erech focuses on guitars while bringing in renowned drummer Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator, Bonfire, Enforcer) to give the album a full, organic backbone.

Romantik III is a concept album that follows Anna’s descent into hell in search of her lost lover - confronting God (Maria Nesh, Red Eye Temple), the devil (Sarah Kitteringham, Smoulder), and aided by a heavenly messenger (Damna, Elvenking). While the themes hint at confrontation between good and evil, the narrative reveals deeper ambiguities, wrapped in dramatic, emotionally charged arrangements.

Musically, the album is the most compact and refined Bergfried release to date. Expect soaring vocals, melodic heavy metal, touches of musical-theatre drama, and a strong sense of melancholy - yet with surprisingly accessible, hook-laden moments. Tracks like Fallen From Grace even echo classic rock/pop influences, shaped by Erech’s lifelong admiration for Meat Loaf’s grand, operatic style.

Epic, emotional, and irresistibly melodic, Romantik III delivers a powerful conclusion to Bergfried’s trilogy - an album for fans of traditional metal, theatrical rock, and rich, narrative-driven songwriting.

Recommended if you like: Eternal Champion, Visigoth, Smoulder, Savatage, Atlantean Kodex, Gatekeeper, Tales of Night

Artist: Bergfried
Title: Romantik III
Label: High Roller Records
Catalogue Number: HRR994CD
UPC: 4251267723010
Release Year: 2025
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed
Special attributes: Slipcase

Tracklist:

1. Dark Wings
2. Fallen from Grace
3. Queen of the Dead
4. For the Cursed
5. Gates of Fate
6. Serenades
7. Tears of a Thousand Years
8. Star-Crossed Love
9. Back for More