At The Gates frontman Tomas Lindberg has died aged 52.
Tomas Lindberg has handed away following a battle with most cancers
The Swedish heavy steel star had battled adenoid cystic carcinoma – most cancers of the mouth and pallet – since 2023, and handed away on Tuesday morning (16.09.25) from “issues” to his remedy.
An announcement on the band’s Fb web page learn: “Tomas handed away this morning following issues associated to his ongoing most cancers remedy.
Regardless of intensive medical efforts, his life couldn’t be saved.
Tomas – You have been an inspiration to us all. A real buddy, each compassionate sympathetic. You’ll all the time be remembered to your generosity and your inventive spirit.
You’ll be eternally missed.
Eternally in our hearts.”
Tributes have flooded in for Tomas from the steel world.
Arch Enemy guitarist Michael Amott wrote on Instagram: “I first met him when he was 15 and I used to be 18 — simply two children utterly devoted to underground music. Life took us in several instructions, however we’d stumble upon one another now and again. Reconnecting correctly in 2019 once we toured collectively was actually particular. In the present day we’ve misplaced one of many true OGs of the Swedish dying steel scene — first with GROTESQUE, and naturally later with the legendary AT THE GATES. Secure travels, Tompa… have a beer with LG and chill now.”
Fellow Swede metaller Mikael Åkerfeldt, frontman of Opeth, penned a prolonged tribute concerning the “pioneering” musician: “It’s with overpowering shock that I write this, having simply obtained the information that he has handed on.
“I first met with Tomas within the early 90’s when Opeth had a present (our second present ever) in Gothenbourg. Showing on the invoice was ourselves, Therion and an minor arsenal of unknown bands Additionally showing was a band with a curious title, On the gates.
“We’d made our method from Stockholm to be greeted on the GBG central station by none aside from Tomas Lindberg himself. He regarded ragged and…untamed? Lengthy frizzy blonde hair, enormous blonde/ginger beard. An intimidating character in look, but extremely sort and welcoming in individual.
“At the gates blew my thoughts that evening. As a frontman, Tomas was simply past something I’d seen. He was superior, plain and easy. Wild! He appeared so immersed within the music that it appeared to take utter and full management of him. It was a pleasure to see (and listen to).
“We’d run into one another at times over time. Intellectually, he gave the impression to be a step above and past your generic steel musician. You can discuss to Tomas about something. Maybe his job as a trainer performed a job, I don’t know, however he had a eager ear to no matter subject was introduced up.
“I can’t imagine that he’s gone….
“Tomas, my buddy. You have been a pioneering musician. A unbelievable frontman and singer. A beautiful human being! You’ve all the time had my countless respect. A respect that may circulate effortlessly, even now that you simply’re now not with us. (sic)”
Metalcore outfit Unearth wrote: “RIP Tomas Lindberg. With out him and At The Gates, steel wouldn’t sound the identical. His affect on heavy music is timeless, shaping the NWOAHM and metalcore we play at the moment. Unearth is ceaselessly grateful. Condolences to his bandmates, family and friends.”
In addition to At The Gates, which Tomas co-founded with guitarist Alf Svensson in Gothenburg in 1990, following the cut up of their earlier band Grotesque, the singer was a member of Disfear, Skitsystem, and Lock Up.
At The Gates’ final studio album was 2021’s The Nightmare of Being, although a number of stories said he had recorded vocals for a follow-up earlier than his dying.
