Julien Tassin's Finnish tour with Heikki Ruokangas

From 4 to 12 October 2025, Belgian guitarist Julien Tassin travelled across northern Finland to present ‘Behind The Mask’, an album born out of his collaboration with Finnish guitarist Heikki Ruokangas.

The two musicians met when they were both signed to the Australian label Ramble Records. Through exchanges and discussions, the desire to play together became apparent. This emerging artistic collaboration led them to meet up in Belgium and Finland, culminating in the recording of this album.

The tour began with the recording of a live session in a typical house, in front of a small audience of around thirty people.

The first official concert took place on 5 October in Oulu, at the Valvesali venue, during an evening shared with the Lappish band Peltokurki.

The duo then performed in Pyhäjoki, in a library, and in Pudasjärvi, in a cultural centre, before continuing their journey northwards. In Lapland, Heikki's home region, several concerts were organised in Rovaniemi, the capital, mainly in the city's media library and church. One of these events took the form of a masterclass. In addition to the general public, students from the local conservatoire were also in attendance.

On 11 October, the duo will travel further north to Muonio and Enontekiö, the final stops on this tour.

Another idea is already being discussed: returning later for a tour of the south of the country.

Julien Tassin recounts the impact of this trip:

‘Playing in Lapland was very inspiring and influenced our music during the tour. We began incorporating objects (bells) that we found during our trip into our music. I think these elements will be an integral part of our upcoming shows and future creations.’