Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, the iconic vocalist of Swedish metal pioneers At the Gates, has died at 52. The news was confirmed on September 16 by David Isberg (formerly of Opeth) on social media. Lindberg had been battling adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of oral cancer, since his diagnosis in late 2023.
In a statement earlier this year, Lindberg shared that he had undergone major surgery to remove a large portion of the roof of his mouth, followed by two months of radiation therapy. “Now, in the beginning of 2025, they have found some remains of the cancer, and it is inaccessible by surgery or radiation,” he wrote. “So, we will see what the next step is, but probably some form of chemotherapy, to keep the cancer in check.”
Lindberg was a defining figure of the Gothenburg sound — the melodic death metal style that inspired countless bands worldwide. At the Gates’ 1995 album Slaughter of the Soul is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the genre and a major influence on modern metalcore.
Born in Gothenburg in 1972, Lindberg first fronted the band Grotesque before forming At the Gates in 1990. The band initially disbanded in 1996, only to reunite in 2007, releasing new material and touring extensively. Beyond At the Gates, Lindberg’s creative reach extended to projects including Disfear, Skitsystem, The Great Deceiver, and the grindcore supergroup Lock Up. His ability to move between death metal, punk, and more experimental sounds made him a uniquely versatile figure in heavy music.
Lindberg’s impact was not limited to music. He was also a teacher of social studies, a detail that underscored his intellectual approach to lyric writing. Roadrunner Records once ranked him among the 50 Greatest Metal Frontmen of All Time, citing both his distinctive vocal style and his contributions to the evolution of extreme music.
Photos – Andy Hayball & Steve Gerrard
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