Alanko returned to Finland and started the band with guitarist Reijo Heiskanen and drummer Harri Kinnunen.
[1] In March 1980, the newly formed Hassisen Kone won the Finnish rock championship, an annual competition for young musicians held since 1970.
[2] The victory raised public interest for the band, and when their debut album Täältä tullaan Venäjä was released in June, it was an instant hit.
[1] The same year Hassisen Kone took part on the Tuuliajolla tour on Saimaa, with Juice Leskinen and Eppu Normaali.
[5] For Harsoinen teräs (1982), Jukka Orma replaced Reijo Heiskanen on guitar and some additional members were hired to work on the more rhythmic and progressive album featuring saxophone, xylophone and keyboards.