Florida death metal unit Malevolent Creation has issued a hopeful but sobering update regarding the condition of founding guitarist and primary songwriter Phil Fasciana, who was recently hospitalized in critical condition with a severe case of bacterial pneumonia.
Fasciana was admitted to an intensive care unit in Montpelier, France, while on tour, with doctors warning that the infection may have spread to surrounding organs, making the situation life-threatening. The band initially described the development as "absolutely life-threatening" and requested fans around the world to keep Phil in their thoughts and prayers. Despite the severity of his condition, a new update from the band suggests signs of improvement.
In a full statement shared by the band, they wrote: "There is positive news to share regarding Phil's condition. However, to understand the gravity of the situation, we need to be fully transparent with the fact that when Phil was admitted to the ICU, he was placed in an induced coma to avoid any intense strain on his cardiovascular system during his intravenous treatment.
"Phil has shown improvement, and the doctors are remaining positive based on signs of his recovery, as his infection has almost cleared up! He is slowly being taken off of breathing assistance, and he is responding to his name as they attempt to communicate with him, but he is not out of the woods just yet. He will likely be in the hospital for another week, at least, but his overall condition is improving.
"We cannot express enough how much his family, friends, and we as his brothers-in-arms appreciate the continuing thoughts, hopes and prayers directed towards his recovery. We will do our best to provide timely updates as they become available and appropriate, based on further developments. Horns high, for you, Phil. We love you."
The band promises to keep fans informed with appropriate updates and has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from across the global metal community. Fasciana was admitted to the hospital last week, with Malevolent Creation sharing the following statement.
"Dear Malevolent Creation fans, far and wide: It is with immense sadness that we report our helmsman Phillip Fasciana was admitted to the ICU in Montpelier, France last night," wrote Malevolent Creation of the situation at the time. "He developed what the doctors deemed to be a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, which may have spread to surrounding organs. He has been listed as being in critical condition.
"His family has been notified and will be deciding on next steps, based on what is best for Phil's condition and overall health. We are all crushed to see him in this situation, and it is absolutely life-threatening. So please, please keep Phil in your thoughts and/or prayers with hope he makes a full recovery. Make no mistake, this is a very bad situation and we greatly appreciate your love and understanding. It is with the support and direction of his immediate family that have requested we finish the remainder of the tour in Phil's absence, as he needs to focus on his recovery."
