Susperia zanger Athera (Pal Mathieson) heeft gisteren (maandag 16 maart) een drie dubbele by-pass via een open hart operatie ondergaan. Athera werd vorige week opgenomen in het Akershus Universitetssykehus ziekenhuis in Lørenskog, Noorwegen, nadat hij een hartaanval heeft gehad. Bij de frontman is een tot nu toe onbekende genetische stoornis ontdekt die de hartaanval veroorzaakt heeft. Tijdens de operatie zijn 3 vernauwde aderen en 3 hartkleppen vervangen.
Voor de operatie stuurde Athera zijn fans het volgende bericht vanuit het ziekenhuis: "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."