Florida death metal mainstays Malevolent Creation have announced that longtime guitarist Phil Fasciana has been hospitalized and is currently in the ICU with a serious case of bacterial pneumonia. 

Fasciana, the group’s founding member and primary songwriter, has been a fixture in the death metal scene since the band’s formation in the late ’80s.

The band shared the update earlier today via social media:

Dear Malevolent 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. 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.

Eternal gratitude for your support
–Jesse, Ronnie, Chris

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