Former Belphegor bassist and backing vocalist Bartholomäus “Barth” Resch passed away on May 8, 2026. Belphegor founder and frontman Helmuth Lehner shared the news today in a social media post honoring his former bandmate.
Resch was a member of Belphegor from 2002 to 2006, serving as bassist and backing vocalist during his tenure. He contributed to the albums Lucifer Incestus, Goatreich – Fleshcult, and Pestapokalypse VI, and later returned as a live vocalist for the band in 2012.
Paying tribute to his former bandmate, Helmuth wrote:
29 years of loyal brotherhood – what a magnificent and chaotic path we marched together. What a tragedy. You still had so many visions for the future, Herr Goaßbock.
I am devastated by your passing. You leave a huge void, and even that is an understatement. In 2011, you saved my life, Barth.
Thank you for bringing so much color, passion and fire into the years we shared. Thousands of memories, my friend. I swear we shall meet again. I love you Brother!
Pactum in Aeternum – may your spirit roam free and unbound!
Beyond his work with Belphegor, Resch also recorded with Austrian bands ArsGoatia, Our Survival Depends on Us, and Tabula Rasa during his career, and was also the organizer of the House of the Holy festival in Austria.
Condolences go out to Resch’s family, friends, former bandmates, and all who knew him.
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