After a harrowing medical ordeal, Phil Fasciana, the founding guitarist of Florida death metal pioneers Malevolent Creation, is on the road to recovery. The musician, who was hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Montpellier, France, with a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, is now set to be released from the hospital next week.
Fasciana provided a detailed and candid update on his condition via social media today, Friday, August 1. He explained that a series of tests are being conducted, and if all goes well, he anticipates being discharged on Monday or Tuesday.
The guitarist recounted the gravity of his illness, which went undiagnosed for an extended period despite regular medical check-ups. “I don’t know how I contracted this bacteria but my lungs were filled with blood for some time now,” he wrote. He expressed frustration that doctors he saw monthly for injuries from a 2021 car accident never detected the issue, even after he complained of feeling constantly ill. “The French doctors knew immediately and after being in a coma for 8 days I was told what was going on and of course I laughed and said yeah right!” he recalled. He was then asked to spit, and the presence of pure blood confirmed the doctors’ diagnosis that his lungs were hemorrhaging and he was in a life-threatening state.
Fasciana acknowledged the extensive medical work and powerful antibiotics required to clear his lungs. He also mentioned that he is scheduled for more tests concerning his “black heart” before he can be released.
Expressing deep gratitude, Fasciana thanked his bandmates—drummer Ronnie Parmer, bassist and vocalist Jesse Jolly, and guitarist Chris Cannella—for their quick thinking in getting him medical help, stating they “saved my life.” He also extended his appreciation to fans around the world for their support.
Despite his recent health scare, Fasciana is already looking ahead to his future on the road. The musician confirmed his plans to join Krisiun for a tour in Brazil in September, followed by a North American tour in October. In his absence, the remaining members of Malevolent Creation have been performing their ongoing European tour dates as a three-piece, beginning with a July 17 show at Razzmatazz in Barcelona, Spain.
Concluding his update with a defiant and optimistic tone, Fasciana declared: “What a wild ride I had to experience the last 4 weeks but I’m back baby!!!”
