Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The heavy metal world mourns the loss of Tomas Lindberg
Being in a band changes you for life. And the metal community has rallied for At The Gates, after the loss of their leader and singer Tomas Lindberg. The band itself released a statement:
[Tomas Lindberg 1972 – 2025]
Tomas passed away this morning following complications related to his ongoing cancer treatment.
Despite intensive medical efforts, his life could not be saved.Tomas – You were an inspiration to us all. A true friend, both compassionate & sympathetic. You will always be remembered for your generosity and your creative spirit.
You will be eternally missed.
Forever in our hearts.
Drummer Adrian Erlandsson also shares his goodbye.
Farewell my dear friend,
You changed my life forever when we met 35 years ago.
I know how hard you have been fighting and how brave you been these last few years.
The memories and music that we created together in At the gates, Skitsystem and The Lurking Fear will forever be defining part of who I am in this world.
You were a true force of nature and I am so grateful that I got to share these moments with you!
Rest in peace brother Tompa
Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth also published a heartfelt statement.
Goodbye Tomas ”Tompa” ”Goatspell” Lindberg.
It’s with overpowering shock that I write this, having just received the news that he has passed on.
I first met with Tomas in the early 90’s when Opeth had a show (our second show ever) in Gothenbourg. Appearing on the bill was ourselves, Therion and an minor arsenal of unknown bands Also appearing was a band with a curious name, At the gates.
We’d made our way from Stockholm to be greeted at the GBG central station by none other than Tomas Lindberg himself. He looked ragged and…untamed? Long frizzy blonde hair, huge blonde/ginger beard. An intimidating character in appearance, yet incredibly kind and welcoming in person.
At the gates blew my mind that night. As a frontman, Tomas was just beyond anything I’d seen. He was awesome, plain and simple. Wild! He appeared so immersed in the music that it seemed to take utter and complete control of him. It was a joy to see (and hear).
We’d run into each other now and then over the years. Intellectually, he seemed to be a step above and beyond your generic metal musician. You could talk to Tomas about anything. Perhaps his job as a teacher played a role, I don’t know, but he had a keen ear to whatever topic was brought up.
I can’t believe that he’s gone….
Tomas, my friend. You were a pioneering musician. A fantastic frontman and singer. A lovely human being! You’ve always had my endless respect. A respect that will flow effortlessly, even now that you’re no longer with us.
Tomas Lindberg
October 16, 1972 – September 16, 2025
Rest in peace.
Courtesy of Dan Swanö I’ve included a photo below of Tomas together with Dan, myself and Jens Prueter (Nuclear blast records). A well needed happy memory, as you can clearly see!
On behalf of the band I want to extend our warmest condolences and sympathies to his family, friends, fans and colleagues.
Mikael Åkerfeldt, September 16, 2025
Fellow Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames also released their sympathies.
Woke up this morning to the very sad news that Tompa has passed.
I’m trying to write something clever (that’s my job after all) but I’m drawing a blank. This hits too close to home.
I’m glad we got to do that last tour together and play the final show in Gothenburg.
And btw, thank you for sharing those tapes on your Walkman back in the day, sitting on the bus, riding in to the city. Maybe I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you showing the way.
Until we meet again…..
Another Swedish outfit pays homage to Lindberg.
We are grateful to have shared moments of friendship, creativity and the stage with one of the legends of the Death Metal scene.
Tompa made metal more beautiful and poetic in his groundbreaking lyrics which he spearheaded with his iconic voice that was carrying enormous emotions of both vulnerable pain and aggression. His influence on this art is a massive legacy that will never die.”We are blind to the World within us, Waiting to be born”
”I cast aside my chains – Fall from reality””Take care of yourself, your loved ones and the time you have on this earth.”
//Tompa 2025//The Crown – September 16, 2025
As well as The Haunted.
R.I.P Tompa – we love you.
The Red in the sky is forever yours.
And Gates Of Ishtar also join in remembering Lindberg.
German metalcore band Heaven Shall Burn also pay their respects.
In memory of Tompa. A truly remarkable guy and artist left this world far too early. His work with At The Gates in particular was absolutely style-defining and inspirational for the horde of young musicians who would one day start this thing called metalcore. Bands like Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, Trivium and also Heaven Shall Burn wouldn’t be what they are today without At The Gates. Tompa’s intelligent and profound lyrics in particular, but also his always uncompromising and clear punk rock and hardcore attitude, were always a positive disharmony in the slick metal circus that is overflowing with cliches and platitudes. The last time we spoke, quite a while ago, he wanted to know all about our football sponsorship; he thought the idea of bands supporting socially active clubs was absolutely fantastic. We’ve been wanting to send you a jersey for ages and keep forgetting. Time flies and before you know it, many things are too late. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Let’s celebrate Tompa’s legacy and carry it forward through this decaying world, so that this truly exceptional artist will never be forgotten! Take care, old friend.
Hel Pyre was one of the first artists to commemorate Lindberg.
Cradle of Filth leader Dani Filth shares his sorrow, too.
Power metal wasn’t immune to Lindberg’s talent.
This one hurts bad! Few (if anyone) were more important to the growth of the extreme music scenen in Göteborg in the late 80s, but some of us were fortunate enough to get to know the man behind the mike as well and we were all better people for it. Thank you for the memories, the love and the music!