Tomas Lindberg of At the Gates Dies at 52 After Battle with Cancer

Tomas “Tompa” Lindberg, frontman of the legendary Swedish band At the Gates, has passed away at the age of 52. His death on September 16, 2025, was confirmed by his family and widely reported by Swedish outlets such as SVT and Aftonbladet. Lindberg had been battling adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the mouth and palate, since his diagnosis in December 2023.

Following the discovery of the disease, he underwent a major surgery that involved the removal of part of the roof of his mouth, followed by two months of radiotherapy. Despite these efforts, remnants of the cancer remained and could not be eradicated through surgery or further radiation. Earlier this year he was hospitalized after a significant setback, receiving around-the-clock care as his condition worsened.

In the face of such a difficult struggle, Lindberg continued to demonstrate resilience and dedication to his art. Before undergoing the larger operation, he managed to record the vocal tracks for At the Gates’ forthcoming album, ensuring that his voice would live on in the band’s work. In one of his final public messages, he encouraged fans to take care of themselves and their loved ones, a reflection of both his humanity and his awareness of life’s fragility.

Lindberg’s influence on extreme metal is immeasurable. As the voice of At the Gates, he helped shape the sound of melodic death metal and inspired countless musicians across generations. His passing marks not only a profound loss for the band and for Sweden’s cultural landscape, but also for the global metal community that regarded him as one of its most distinctive and passionate voices.

He is remembered not only for his music but for his strength, integrity, and unyielding spirit. The legacy of Tomas Lindberg will continue to echo through the records he created and the countless lives he touched.