Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, the ferocious voice behind Swedish death metal pioneers At the Gates, has died. He was 52.
The singer’s family confirmed the news to Swedish public broadcaster SVT Nyheter on Tuesday, September 16. That same day, Lindberg’s friend David Isberg — a founding member of Opeth — paid tribute on Instagram, posting a carousel of photos and writing: “Tomas ‘Goatspell’ Lindberg 10-16-1972 – 09-16-2025. It is cold out here Ans lonely is my journey I walk the trail of broken souls The darkest path through infinity.”
Lindberg’s illness became public on August 15, when At the Gates posted a health update on their social channels. In that announcement, they explained that the vocalist had been diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma in December 2023. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease is rare, making up about 1% of all head and neck cancers. It usually starts in the salivary glands but can also appear in other glands, such as those that produce tears or sweat. For Lindberg, the cancer began in his mouth and led to a major surgery where part of the roof of his mouth was removed, followed by two months of radiation.
Alongside their update, the band shared a personal letter Lindberg had written in March. In it, he described how doctors later found cancer that couldn’t be treated with more surgery or radiation, and that chemotherapy would likely be the next step. By May, he had suffered a serious setback and was moved into long-term hospital care.
Even while fighting the disease, Lindberg made sure the band’s work would continue. He revealed that he had recorded all of his vocals for the next At the Gates album in a single day, just before undergoing surgery, so the record would be finished. That album, which does not yet have a release date, will stand as his final work with the band.
News of his passing sparked an immediate outpouring of tributes online.
“RIP. Going to blast Slaughter of the Soul loud tonight,” one fan wrote on X.
“Goddamn man this one hurts,” another said.
“One of the best voices in the game, we will miss him,” read a third post.
“Rest in peace Tomas Lindberg. Modern metal as we know it would not be what it is today without you,” another fan added.
At the Gates has yet to release an official statement on his death.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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