Haunted guitarist Ola Englund recently discussed the tragic passing of At the Gates vocalist Tomas Lindberg and its impact on the band’s future. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Guitar World.
Englund reflected on his relationship with Lindberg, who died from cancer in September 2025. He explained how the loss has affected both bands’ dynamics.
When asked about the tragic loss, Englund shared his memories of Lindberg’s final period.
“We were very close and I have lots of good memories. The band had known about his condition for a long time, and we knew he wouldn’t be able to sing, but he was getting better,” Englund said. “When we recorded our album, he came out to the studio and everyone thought he was fine.”
“He had surgery and he had a little bit of a hollow voice, but otherwise he was just the same great spirit. He’s always been happy, and we thought, well, even if he couldn’t be in At the Gates, at least he’s going to be alright,” he continued. “Then, in the spring, he suddenly got worse. Obviously, it was devastating to hear about him passing, but at the same time, it almost felt like we’ve been in mourning since the spring.”
Regarding how Lindberg’s passing will affect the Haunted’s future, Englund explained the practical changes ahead for the band.
“Obviously, when they were touring, the Haunted had to alternate schedules with At the Gates. We didn’t play shows at the same time,” Englund said. “So, from now on, maybe that will mean the Haunted will play more. Maybe we will spend more time as a band and it won’t take eight years for the next album to drop.”
“We’re already talking about a new album because there’s a hunger in this band. And there’s such a good vibe,” he continued. “I’ve already started writing songs for the next album because I feel hungry to do that. I think we’re going to have a new album sooner rather than later.”
The connection between the bands runs deep. Haunted members Anders and Jonas Björler, and Adrian Erlandsson also work with At the Gates.
Lindberg’s death marks the end of an era for one of extreme metal’s most influential figures. The vocalist had been active as a musician and composer since the late 1980s. He built a legacy that extended far beyond At the Gates. His impact on the melodic death metal genre was recognized industry-wide. Roadrunner Records ranked him number 30 out of 50 of the greatest metal frontmen of all time.
The Swedish musician’s career spanned over three decades. During this time, he helped shape the Gothenburg metal scene. At the Gates originally disbanded in 1996 after releasing their landmark album “Slaughter of the Soul.” The band reunited in 2007 with Lindberg returning to his iconic vocal duties. The band’s influence on melodic death metal cannot be overstated. Their 1995 masterpiece served as a blueprint for countless bands that followed.
Beyond his work with At the Gates, Lindberg was involved in numerous other projects throughout his career. These included bands like Disfear and Lock Up. His versatility as a vocalist allowed him to explore different facets of extreme metal, from grindcore to hardcore punk influences. This diverse musical background contributed to his unique vocal style that became synonymous with the Gothenburg sound.
The interconnected nature of the Swedish metal scene means that Lindberg’s passing affects multiple bands simultaneously. The Haunted was formed by former At the Gates members Anders and Jonas Björler along with Adrian Erlandsson. The band has always shared personnel with At the Gates, creating scheduling conflicts that required careful coordination. With Lindberg’s death, this complex dynamic has shifted. This potentially allows The Haunted to pursue a more aggressive touring and recording schedule.
The metal community continues to mourn the loss of one of its most respected voices. Meanwhile, bands like The Haunted look toward a future shaped by both grief and renewed creative energy. Englund’s comments suggest that while the loss is devastating, it may also serve as a catalyst for increased musical output from the surviving members.
