He will undergo a triple heart by-pass operation through open heart surgery on Monday 16th March 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 - Its 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 have 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 bands new label Candlelight Records.
Preview and Purchase Susperia CDs
On The Record: The dB's- Rick Monroe and the Hitmen- Atlas Maior- Stoned Jesus
Hot In The City: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Opens in Surprise, Arizona
What's Doing With Dave Koz? Christmas Carols and Cool Cruises!
On The Record: Craft Recordings Announces Record Store Day Exclusives
Live: T Bone Burnett Rocks Phoenix
Three Days Grace Share First Adam Gontier Reunion Song 'Mayday'
Twenty On Pilots Share 'The Line' From Arcane League of Legends: Season 2 Soundtrack
Motley Crue Dr. Feelgood Pharmacy Independent Retail Takeovers Start Today
Nothing More Scores 3rd No. 1 With 'Angel Song'
Frontiers Rock Festival Returning After 6-Year Hiatus
Bury Tomorrow Unleash 'What If I Burn' Video
Converge Added To Fire in the Mountains Festival
Pop Evil Take Fans On 'Deathwalk' With New Video