heavy-metal-darkness: Bergfried | Romantik III

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Bergfried | Romantik III | High Roller Records

Release date: 24.10.2025

Formats: CD/LP/MC/Digital

Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Rock Opera

Country: Austria/Hungary

Bergfried returns with "Romantik III", the final act of their trilogy, and their debut for High Roller Records. The Austrian-Hungarian duo, consisting of Erech von Lothringen (all instruments) and Anna de Savoy (vocals), have built a reputation for combining heavy metal traditions with theatrical, melodic elements. Erech, already known in underground metal circles for his many projects ranging from black metal to thrash, here follows a very different path, one inspired as much by classic rock and AOR as by metal’s darker shades.

The concept is ambitious. Anna wanders through hell in search of her lover, encountering God, the devil, and a heavenly messenger, each voiced by guest singers. With contributions from members of Smoulder, Elvenking and Red Eye Temple, the record gains extra drama, almost like a stage play set to riffs and melodies.

Musically, "Romantik III" sits in a place where classic heavy metal, 70s/80s rock and Broadway-style theatricality cross paths. The songs are compact and easy to take in, leaning on choruses that stick quickly, like "Fallen From Grace" which even flirts with pop-like catchiness. Erech’s guitar work carries a hard rock warmth, while Fabio Alessandrini’s drumming gives the album more energy and dynamics than the earlier releases.

Anna de Savoy is again the central figure. Her vocals balance between narration, operatic lines and strong melodic hooks. This theatrical approach keeps the storyline alive across the nine tracks, and while some passages are lighter and catchy, others like "Queen Of The Dead" and "For The Cursed" bring a darker, more dramatic edge. The closing stretch with "Tears Of A Thousand Years" and "Star-Crossed Love" underlines the tragic-romantic spirit of the trilogy, before "Back For More" ends things on a surprisingly straightforward rock note.

At 43 minutes, "Romantik III" is like the most direct and focused of the three parts. It is an album atmosphere and drama, driven by Anna’s voice and Erech’s knack for melodies. Fans of bands that mix classic heavy metal with theatrical storytelling will find plenty to enjoy here, and the trilogy closes on a satisfying note that is catchy, romantic and melancholic. This is an album that is creative and accessible listen, made with heart and a clear artistic vision. "Romantik III" offers a unique blend of hard rock and metal with a theatrical concept, delivering a conclusion that stays true to Bergfried’s identity.

Score: 7.0