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Susperia Vocalist Pal "Athera" Mathieson To Undergo Open Heart Surgery

posted Mar 16, 2009 at 12:04 AM by xFiruath.  (8 Comments)

Photo of Susperia

Band Photo: Susperia (?)

SUSPERIA vocalist Athera (Pal Mathieson) remains under close observation at Akershus Universitetssykehus Hospital in Lørenskog, Norway following his heart attack last week. The singer has been diagnosed with a previously undetected genetic disorder that will require the replacement of three narrowed arteries and three heart valves. He will undergo a triple heart by-pass operation through open heart surgery today, on Monday, March 16th 2009. Meanwhile the singer is being kept on heavy doses of medication to keep his blood thin and his heart rate down.

Though in a serious, but stable condition, a highly spirited and medicated Athera speaking from his hospital bed sent the following message:

"Hey everyone out there in the metal universe - friends and strangers. Thanks for all your messages of support. I'm lying here in the hospital reading them all and it's really nice to see that so many of you have taken the time to send them. It's overwhelming. I've had a big shock and it's not something I would want anyone to experience. You know, I always wanted to hit the headlines - but not in this way! Looks like the SUSPERIA curse has hit again, a new album and tour on the way and one of us complicates it all. But damn it, we will never let anything stop us - ever! Even if death itself comes knocking and believe me it did. I am undergoing open heart surgery this Monday to replace some broken valves and veins, and then this metal heart will beat once again. The Doc(tor) says I'll be back stronger than ever. I will have to spend a long time in the hospital, but it's not that bad. You should see the nurses taking care of me. Could be worse. Looking forward to getting back up and on the road again. Sorry for the shows that I'm not going to be able to do. I will make it up to you guys. You all make me stronger, I am truly grateful."

Future plans for SUSPERIA remain mixed. However the band has confirmed the postponement of Norwegian dates, which were set for April 09. Their UK tour in May with Breed 77 will go ahead at the insistence of Athera himself. He has urged the band not to let their UK fans down and to look at finding a replacement vocalist.

The release of SUSPERIA's next studio album is still set for early summer as planned, through the band's new label Candlelight Records. Full details will be announced shortly.

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8 Comments on "Susperia Vocalist To Undergo Open Heart Surgery"

Progressivity_In_All's avatar

Senior Reviewer

1. Progressivity_In_All writes:

That's frightening... good to see he's taking it well and hope he recovers and can be back in action.

# Mar 16, 2009 @ 1:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

2. tannu sidhar writes:

hi frnd, h r u?pls dont bother abt ur surgery.its very easy,doctors will do their work efficiently.u just get relax and wait 4 gud news to come.my good wishes are with you.god bless you.take care.get well soon. tannu sidhar india

# Mar 16, 2009 @ 2:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

3. Ricardo writes:

Hey.
It's good to see you're gonna be fine.
Just remember to post something as fast as you can, so we can relax.
You're great. Keep that sh** pumbing.
Take care. From México.

# Mar 17, 2009 @ 2:18 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
That_One_Guy's avatar

Member

4. That_One_Guy writes:

Hope everything turns out well for him and also hope that Susperia keep going strong. Don't give up, keep in there!

# Mar 18, 2009 @ 11:42 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. Tim & Kitty writes:

Get lots of Rest our friend. We are praying for you. We will gladly keep playing our cd we have . But, you can bet we will be waiting for the new release. Remember, you have a lot of people praying for a quick recovery. Stay Heavy my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

# Mar 19, 2009 @ 12:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Rubyred's avatar

Member

6. Rubyred writes:

That's frightening news to take in "heart surgery" and I sincerely hope all goes well for this young musician/vocalist Athera from SUPERIA fame as he goes through this heart surgery to repair the damage that has been done and that healing process to begin whole bodily. And listern to your Doctors & Nurses...'getting that healing rest time & therapy you will need after such a surgery. Much healing embrace/prays to you and Godbless. peace.

# Mar 24, 2009 @ 10:48 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Dee's avatar

Member

7. Dee writes:

It's so fu**ed up that you have to go through this. In just hope that all goes well for you. Don't give up & always remember that we (the fans) will continue to support you throughout this unfortunate endeavor. \m/

# Mar 27, 2009 @ 1:59 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

8. Saxon83 writes:

Best Wishes to Athera + family.Susperia will be fine and we will be waiting for the new Music. Hang in there! Metal On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

# Apr 5, 2009 @ 10:42 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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