Swedish melodic death metal pioneers At the Gates have begun teasing a new album titled The Ghost Of A Future Dead, with an official announcement and further details expected soon.
Tragically, the record will mark the final appearance of founding vocalist Tomas Lindberg, who passed away in September 2025 following complications related to his battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). His death was first confirmed by his family to SVT Nyheter, before the band issued a heartfelt statement honoring their longtime frontman.
"Tomas passed away this morning following complications related to his ongoing cancer treatment," the band wrote. "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."
Lindberg was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer in December 2023. He underwent major surgery to remove part of the roof of his mouth, followed by two months of radiation therapy. Though initially recovering, traces of the cancer returned in early 2025. By May, complications required long-term care, with his bandmates later revealing he was receiving around-the-clock treatment.
In a deeply personal statement written in March 2025 and shared publicly that August, Lindberg reflected on his struggle: "It has been a very tough year. First there was a major surgery, where they took away a big part of the roof of the mouth. This was followed by radiation therapy for two months, and ever since it has been a long hard path towards recovery. Now, in the beginning of 2025, they have found some remains of the cancer, and it is inaccessible by surgery or radiation."
Despite his illness, Lindberg was determined to complete vocals for the band's upcoming album. He revealed that the final vocal tracks were recorded in a single day — largely in one take — the day before his surgery: "The last version of the vocals, the ones that will end up on the album, were recorded in ONE day, mostly one takes, the DAY before the surgery, just to make sure we HAD the album, so to speak."
He described The Ghost Of A Future Dead as a creative reunion and a return to form, noting it was the first time in a decade that he, Jonas Björler, and Anders Björler had worked together extensively on a full album. Musically, he characterized it as a blend of the ferocity of Slaughter of the Soul and the band's modern resurgence on At War with Reality.
