Simen Vangen joined the band Madrugada as their drummer for the ‘Grit’ sessions in January 2002 following the leave of original drummer Jon Lauvland Pettersen.



In January 2005 Vangen announced his departement. His final performance with Madrugada was at by:Larm in Stavanger on 10 February 2005.



Madruga hired drummer Erland Dahlen (of Xploding Plastix and Kaada fame) as a temporary replacements for their European tour that following summer.