Ελληνικά
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock with Folk influences
Country: Austria/Hungary
Label: High Roller Records
Year: 2025
Erech von Lothringen, an experienced multi-instrumentalist known in underground metal circles, has diversified his style over the years. Despite associations with black metal, only a fraction of his work fits neatly into that genre. His tastes span thrash, heavy, and power metal, injecting a varied metal influence into Bergfried’s output. Initially inspired by ‘70s/’80s hard rock and AOR, the project was intended to lean toward a more rock-oriented style under the Grime Stone Records vision but evolved into a richer and more complex sonic tapestry.
Bergfried’s “Romantik III” is a daring and creatively charged album that continues to build on the polished sound established in the previous “Romantik II.” With impeccable production, the album delivers bombastic yet tuneful heavy metal with a strong sense of classic and retro vibes, mixing heavy metal, glam, and power metal influences seamlessly. The vocals, led by Erech and complemented by guest appearances, bring both power and presence, with dramatic and emotional layers heightened by piano, strings, and dynamic rhythms.
On this album, Erech focuses on rhythm and lead guitars, while Fabio Alessandrini, known for work with Annihilator and Bonfire, brings authentic drumming energy, elevating the rhythmic backbone. Vocally, Anna de Savoy narrates a compelling concept: a journey through hell, with battles against divine and infernal figures voiced by guest singers Maria Nesh (Red Eye Temple), Sarah Kitteringham (Smoulder), and Damna (Elvenking), blurring the lines between good and evil.
Musically, »Romantik III« is tighter and clearer than its predecessors, mixing straightforward heavy metal songs with musical-style interludes that enhance the album’s narrative. Its mood is melancholic but accessible, often surprisingly catchy. The track “Fallen From Grace” stands out with a pop sensibility influenced by Erech’s childhood admiration for Meat Loaf’s grandiose rock operas, offering a lighter touch amid the darker themes.
The album features standout songs like “Star-Crossed Love,” which uses a softer, piano-driven approach contrasted with expressive vocals and dynamic instrumentation, making for an epic experience. The lead guitar work is noted for its tasteful, technical excellence and emotional intensity, contributing to the album’s compelling energy. While “Romantik III” may not always stay in one lane stylistically, this only adds to its absorbing feel-good factor, leaving a strong and lasting impression.
