Tomas Lindberg of Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES has died after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
AT THE GATES confirmed Lindberg's passing in a social media post, writing: "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."
At the Gates pioneered the melodic death metal sub-genre that became so widespread throughout the 1990s. The band’s signature battering riffs and Lindberg’s screeching vocals have become synonymous with the extreme metal genre. Slaughter of the Soul, the band’s 1995 magnum opus, is constantly hailed as one of the defining extreme metal albums, along with being one of the most influential metal albums of the last 30 years.
With the band confirming Lingberg had already finished recording vocals for their new record, the next At The Gates LP will be a posthumous release for the legendary metal vocalist.
