Tomas Lindberg, legendary vocalist of AT THE GATES, has died at 52 after battling adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive type of oral cancer.
The announcement was made by David Isberg of BLOODOFJUPITER, who confirmed the passing of one of extreme metal’s most influential figures. Lindberg was more than just the voice of AT THE GATES — he was a central creative force in shaping the Gothenburg sound, the melodic death metal movement that left a lasting mark on generations of bands worldwide.
Lindberg had gone public with his diagnosis in August 2025, explaining that since 2023, he had endured major surgery and months of radiation therapy. Despite the setbacks, he continued to show resilience and expressed a determination to keep making music.
In a heartfelt statement, he explained:
“In December 2023, I was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (a cancer in the mouth and palate). Since then, it has been an incredibly difficult journey. The treatment began with a major surgery where a large part of the roof of my mouth was removed. This was followed by two months of radiation therapy, and recovery has been long and hard. Early in 2025, doctors discovered remaining cancer cells, which cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. The likely next step will be chemotherapy to try and contain it.”
Through his work with AT THE GATES, Lindberg became one of the key architects of melodic death metal. Their 1995 masterpiece, Slaughter of the Soul, remains a cornerstone of the genre, inspiring countless bands across melodic death, metalcore, and beyond.
Our thoughts go to Tomas’s close family and friends.
Photograph © Andy Hayball
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhru7gT0cIE
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