In Memory of Tomas Lindberg (and an Unearthed 2002 Interview)
Here’s our thoughts in memory of Tomas Lindberg, as well as a special bonus.
- Τhanos:
Yesterday, Tomas Lindberg passed away at the age of 52.
I will never forget the first time I listened to Terminal Spirit Disease back in my teenage years; that was when I realized how far ahead of their time At The Gates were, and what a phenomenal vocalist Tomas was. He and At The Gates became a major chapter in my life, and one of the serious reasons why I eventually moved to Sweden – to witness the Gothenburg sound phenomenon up close.
I first met him in Greece, when The Great Deceiver played there – a band I already admired since their epic EP Jet Black Art. I remember how relaxed and approachable he was, without the slightest trace of “superstar” attitude. Later, I was thrilled to attend the sold-out At The Gates show in Gothenburg, right after the release of At War With Reality. It was surreal to be in that city, in a venue packed to the brim, singing line by line classics like Suicide Nation and Slaughter of the Soul.
I will also remember the random times I ran into him in Gothenburg. I’ll never forget when he was DJing at a show in the legendary Truckstop Alaska – spinning Breach and other great bands, during the Oranssi Pazuzu + Atomikylä gig. Always restless, always a true music lover.
It is still very hard to believe that such a fantastic human being is gone – passionate, curious, and an inspiration for life itself.
My thoughts are with his family and close ones. His passing is a harsh reminder that nothing lasts forever.
Farewell Tomas, and thank you for everything.
- Panos:
I am heartbroken and shocked by the passing of Tomas Lindberg. He was one of the most prominent figures of my generation (Gen X) and a huge influence on me.
First and foremost, as a vocalist and lyricist. Back in 1995, Slaughter Of The Soul opened my eyes and ears to how screamed vocals—fitting and, in my opinion, more expressive than growls—could elevate aggressive, low-tuned music.
A few years later, I started screaming myself, and more than once my style was compared to his—a comparison I was humbled by and proudly embraced.
I also had the chance to interact with him on a couple of occasions, especially for Metal Hammer interviews (I still somehow have his number saved in my contacts). He struck me as a down-to-earth, gentle, humble, and deeply sensitive person.
I admired the fact that he was well-educated, politically conscious and engaged, carried a constructive attitude towards life and society, and managed to balance family life with his music career.
A small episode I’d like to share: on 14/4/2005, he played with The Great Deceiver at AN Club in Athens, with comrades Konkave as the main support act. We had prepared a song together, never recorded, entitled “Crooked Nose Messiah.” After Konkave’s set, Tomas came over and complimented my performance. My reply was little more than fanboy mumbling—a shy thank you.
It was just a short word and a pat on the back—but it meant, and still means, the world to me.
Oh, and let’s not forget: he co-designed one of the coolest—if not the coolest—metal band logos ever: Darkthrone’s.
Rest in Power, Tompa.
Your screams will resonate for eternity—through this universe and the next. 🖤
- BONUS 2002 INTERVIEW
As a bonus, here’s something special: an interview Panos did with Tomas back in 2002 for Metal Hammer Greece, around the time The Great Deceiver dropped A Venom Well Designed. It never made it to English until now — so here it is, along with the original for our Greek-speaking friends.
The talk shows a lot of what we’ve been saying about him — his fire for music, his sharp mind, his love for life, family, and people. He was 30 then, seven years after Slaughter of the Soul, finally free from Earache, diving into new projects, already a dad of two.
So grab a beer, roll a joint, and ride with us back to that moment in time.
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DEPHOSPHORUS 
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