At The Gates vocalist Tomas "Tompa" Lindberg has died

Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, the iconic frontman of At The Gates and one of the most influential voices in Swedish melodic death metal, has died at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a rare but aggressive cancer that usually develops in the salivary glands of the head and neck. His passing marks another devastating blow to the metal world in 2025, following the loss of Ozzy Osbourne in July and Brent Hinds in August.

Lindberg’s legacy in heavy music runs deep. From designing the Darkthrone logo as a teenager and editing the Cascade zine in the ’80s. Beyond At The Gates, Lindberg was part of groups Grotesque, Lock-Up, Skitsystem, The Great Deceiver, Nightrage, Infestation, Sign of Cain, and The Lurking Fear. With the iconic Slaughter of the Soul (1995), At The Gates created a blueprint for melodic death metal, influencing everyone from Slipknot to Killswitch Engage. His signature vocals, combined with a lifelong passion for metal, made him a legendary figure in extreme music.

Outside of music, Lindberg led a double life, working as a social studies teacher in Gothenburg, where he focused on politics and religion, finding deep fulfillment in helping students. The balance between teaching and touring was not easy, but he embraced both roles, where, despite the exhaustion level, it always felt rewarding. Over time, the band’s schedule and his teaching job fell into a convenient groove, where Lindberg could fulfill a life in both worlds without many conflicts.

In August, At The Gates confirmed that new music was in the works, raising the question of whether the album Lindberg helped create will see release posthumously. His death is not only a personal loss for those who knew him, but another stamp in legends who have impacted an important part of metal, are gone too soon.

2025 will be remembered as one of the most brutal years for the metal community. With the losses of Ozzy Osbourne, Brent Hinds, and now Tomas Lindberg, the scene remains in mourning, and the year isn’t over yet.

At The Gates shared the following:

“[Tomas Lindberg 1972 – 2025] Tomas passed away this morning following complications related to his ongoing cancer treatment. Despite intensive medical efforts, his life could not be saved. Tomas – You were an inspiration to us all. A true friend, both compassionate & sympathetic. You will always be remembered for your generosity and your creative spirit. You will be eternally missed. Forever in our hearts.”

In 2021, Metal Insider interviewed Lindberg, discussing 30 years of At The Gates. Here’s what he said, his words:

“Well, I guess the main difference is that the youthful, pretentiousness has been changed to, what we call it, more mature ambitiousness. I think that the biggest difference is of course that we have written a lot of songs over this time and that has evolved us as songwriters, arrangers of songs. We are still as curious and this still means a lot or everything to us in that sense. I just think it’s important in another way. It’s maybe even more important now than it was when we were 18. But it is the same sentence, you can say, because it takes a lot more effort to do it physically, almost at our age. And also because who knows how many albums we still get to do? And then every album seems more and more important, you know?”

As a photographer and journalist, I have the opportunity to photograph, study, and watch artists perform, listen to their records, and have conversations about their music. From a personal perspective, beyond his legacy, Lindberg was fun to photograph, always wearing a hat that blocked out the lights, making it more challenging as I ran around the photo pit chasing him across the stage. He was full of life and energy, the adrenaline rush and excitement visible as he commanded every corner of it. It makes you wonder how that same energy was carried into a classroom.

When I spoke with him in 2021, I caught a glimpse of his personality beyond promoting a new album, his passion for history, philosophy, and the way he sometimes blended both worlds within music. It’s an honor to encounter legends like this, especially someone as passionate as Lindberg, whose life was devoted to music long before At The Gates. It’s horrific how cancer has taken yet another great. When reading the band’s statement in August, I interpreted it as a positive outlook, a sign that there might be a bright future. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and we send our deepest condolences to Lindberg’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt paid the following tribute:

“Goodbye Tomas” Tompa”” Goatspell” Lindberg.

It’s with overpowering shock that I write this, having just received the news that he has passed on.

I first met with Tomas in the early 90’s when Opeth had a show (our second show ever) in Gothenbourg. Appearing on the bill was (I believe) ourselves, Therion and an minor arsenal of bands with period names such as Mega-slaughter, Sarcazm, Desercrator. Also appearing was a band with a yet more curious name, At the gates.

We made our way from Stockholm to be greeted at the GBG central station by none other than Tomas Lindberg himself. He looked ragged and…untamed? Long frizzy blonde hair, huge blonde/ginger beard. An intimidating character in appearance, yet incredibly kind and welcoming in person.

At the gates blew my mind that night. Their music was unlike anything I’d heard, and the performance a study in controlled technical violence. Yet with soaring melancholic melodies. I feel tempted to use the term” progressive” here, although I doubt I knew what that meant at the time. As a frontman, Tomas was just beyond anything I’d seen. He was awesome, plain and simple. Wild! He appeared so immersed in the music that it seemed to take utter and complete control of him. It was a joy to see (and hear), and from that day ATG became one of my favorite bands.

We’d run into each other now and then over the years. Intellectually, he seemed to be a step above and beyond your generic metal musician. You could talk to Tomas about anything. Perhaps his job as a teacher played a role, I don’t know, but he had a keen ear to whatever topic was brought up.

I can’t believe that he’s gone….

Tomas, my friend. You were a pioneering musician. A fantastic frontman and singer. A lovely human being! You’ve always had my endless respect. A respect that will flow effortlessly, even now that you’re no longer with us.

Tomas Lindberg

October 16, 1972 – September 16, 2025

Rest in peace.

Courtesy of Dan Swanö I’ve included a photo below of Tomas, together with Dan, myself and Jens Prueter (Nuclear blast records). A well needed happy memory, as you can clearly see!

On behalf of the band I want to extend our warmest condolences and sympathies to his family, friends, fans and colleagues.

Mikael Åkerfeldt, September 16, 2025″

Relapse Records also shared the following:

“RIP Tomas Lindberg (1972-2025) of @disfearband / @atthegates_official Our deepest condolences to your family, friends, and loved ones. Tomas, you will forever be one of metal’s most powerful vocalists and always remembered.”