Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, the iconic vocalist of Swedish melodic death metal pioneers At The Gates, has died at the age of 52. His family confirmed the news through Swedish media on September 16.
Lindberg had been battling cancer of the mouth and palate, which was announced in August, undergoing surgery and radiation therapy. Despite his illness, he remained closely connected to music. A new At The Gates album, recorded before his treatment, is already completed and expected to be released.
Formed in Gothenburg in 1990, At The Gates became one of the most influential bands in extreme metal. Their 1995 album Slaughter of the Soul is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Gothenburg sound, shaping generations of melodic death metal bands worldwide including In Flames, Dark Tranquillity and many that followed. Although the group originally disbanded in 1996, they reunited in 2007 and went on to release acclaimed albums such as At War With Reality (2014) and The Nightmare of Being (2021).
Known for his distinctive, anguished scream and passionate stage presence, Lindberg left a mark far beyond At The Gates, also contributing to projects like The Great Deceiver and Disfear. His voice became synonymous with a genre that blended brutality with melody, inspiring countless vocalists and musicians.
Lindberg’s passing is a devastating loss for the global metal community. His music, however, will endure, a reminder of his artistry, influence, and the emotional intensity he brought to every performance.
