10 tracks. Running time 50:22 Here we have the second album from Finnish musician Tommi Havisto using the pseudonym Didymos. It's a collection of traditional EM pieces with what seems to be a religious theme judging by the liner notes containing a passage from the New Testament. With track names like “Fundamentals of Grief” and “Anguish” you can expect some darker melancholic tracks, but Grief Distance also contains a few lighter touches. The sad, in emotional tone, pieces on the album are exemplified by “Fundamentals of Grief”. Lamenting, kind of mysterious, rhythmic melodies play out at a processional pace over pads and gently swirling and swishing washes. Then about halfway into the track the pace picks up briefly as though grief is breaking through a controlled demeanour. Several tracks are structured around a rhythm or sequencing, while others go with a drifting ambient style. The track “Mount of Olives” sets a mysterious and expectant scene by deep resonating drones, high pitched shimmering washes, and lonely sparse piano notes. And the final track “Beneath the promise vault” is constructed around a variety of sustained synth chords that come and go while occasional dull taps on the soundscape and short tinkly refrains add to the atmosphere. Providing some respite from the slightly oppressive sonics and mood is the odd one out piece “Blueberry dance”. It's a jaunty rhythmic piece with a whimsical melodious tune as though heavy emotions are being temporarily released by a carefree dance. From a purely musical point of view the track I enjoyed most is “Agonying”. Classic EM sequencing and percussion mixes with deep thuds, expressive pads, and brief melodic passages. Grief Distance presents no musical surprises but is fairly enjoyable in an undemanding way. It should appeal to those who like EM in the vein of Klaus Schulze or Tangerine Dream of the 1980s.