Of all the drummers DAWN has ever had, Tomas Asklund is without doubt the most outstanding with technical skills and innovation bordering on the insane. Being a part of DAWN requires both musical skills and professional attitude and Tomas Asklund possesses all this and more. Being known as one of the fastest drummers in Sweden, Tomas is also a technical monster and tighter than a pair of wet stretch jeans. In finding Tomas, Fredrik simply has struck gold as there could be no man better suited for the job.

 

Having solved the most immediate problem (i.e. that of finding a drummer) Fredrik started writing new material for the next DAWN album. In May, Fredrik Söderberg went to the US for a promotion tour and also managed to squeeze in a guest performance singing backing vocals on US Speed Metal band DEKAPITATOR's debut album.

 

1999 proved beneficial in other ways as well as DAWN signed a sponsorship deal with JACKSON GUITARS who on Fredrik Söderberg's suggestion brought back the cult axe Death Angel from the grave.

 

During autumn 1999 DAWN's line-up was further consolidated as long time musical companion Philip von Segebaden joined the band as the new bass player. Apart from being childhood friends, Fredrik and Philip has played together in several constellations over the years, the best known of which maybe is CRANIUM, a speed metal side project.

 

Apart from this, Philip is recognized as the bass player of the Swedish cult death metal band AFFLICTED who recorded two albums for NUCLEAR BLAST in the early 90s. Nowadays, Philip has his own solo project DEFENDER which is straight heavy metal with epic qualities.

 

Philip's musical attitude differs a lot from previous bass players in DAWN as Philip always strives to see the bass as an instrument of its own and puts an effort into writing unique bass lines. Combined with his very special Rickenbacker sound and personal touch he is bound to bring a new dimension into DAWN's music.