Tomas Lindberg, the iconic frontman of At The Gates, has passed away at the age of 52. His family confirmed the news via Swedish outlet SVT Nyheter, stating that he had been battling adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of oral cancer, for the past year and a half. Despite intensive treatment, he died on September 16, 2025.
The band issued a heartfelt statement on social media:
“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.”
Lindberg revealed his diagnosis only last month, though he had already undergone surgery and radiation therapy in 2023. In a remarkable act of dedication, he recorded all of his vocals for At The Gates’ upcoming album the day before undergoing major mouth surgery. That record, written alongside returning guitarist Anders Björler and bassist Jonas Björler, is expected to be released in the near future.
From Gothenburg basements to global stages
Lindberg’s raw, rasping roar was the call that put At The Gates at the front of the Gothenburg pack. Formed in 1990, the band tore through the underground with The Red in the Sky Is Ours and Terminal Spirit Disease, before cutting their defining record Slaughter of the Soul in 1995 — an album that still stands tall in any pit or pub debate about the greatest metal LPs of all time.
The band split the next year, but Lindberg didn’t fade. He spat fire in crust and hardcore outfits like Disfear and Skitsystem, took grindcore to the edge in Lock Up, and pushed boundaries with The Great Deceiver. Wherever he went, he carried that uncompromising mix of fury and conviction — a proper frontman’s stance.
At The Gates eventually came back swinging in 2008, with reunion tours and three more full-lengths. Their sound matured, but never softened. Lindberg himself summed it up best: At The Gates were never interested in “mediocre records.”
Still fighting till the end
Even after his diagnosis, Lindberg made sure the next At The Gates record would have his voice on it. He went into the studio the day before major surgery and tracked all his vocals in one shot. That album, written together again with Anders and Jonas Björler, will now stand as his final battle cry.
Beyond the grave
In the world of punk and skins, we talk about staying true — to your mates, your cause, your sound. Lindberg lived that through metal. He gave every word like it was his last, and in the end, he made sure it really was.
Raise a glass, put the needle back on Slaughter of the Soul, and let it rip. Tomas Lindberg, 1972–2025.
