From Kangsala, Finland, Tabula Rasa was founded in 1972 by guitarist Heikki Silvennoinen, drummer Asko Pakkanen, and bass player Tapio Suominen. During the band's run, Mikko Alatalo played the Peter Sinfield role as contributing lyricist, and unofficial member. They are considered one of the top finish prog bands, but tend be overlooked when put alongside Wigwam, and Tasavallan Pesidentti (sort of like the Kinks next to the Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones). Along with opening for Wigwam, they gained notoriety by becoming runner up in the 1972 "Best Finnish Pop Group" contest.