Bergfried

With Romantik III, the Austro-Hungarian duo Bergfried deliver the follow-up to Romantik I (2022) and Romantik II (2023). The band consists of Erech von Lothringen, who plays all instruments, and singer Anna de Savoy. On Romantik III features drummer Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator, Bonfire, and Enforcer) and guest vocalists include Maria Nesh from Red Eye Temple, Sarah Kitteringham from Smoulder, and Damna from Elvenking. Romantik III is an extremely catchy, very melodic album that doesn't sound as dark as the song titles might suggest. The material borders on pop here and there, although of course (almost) always with an undertone of melancholy.