If one is to question the essence behind VOND they shall only receive a simple reply of: "I hate you."  In many ways does this characterize the nature of VOND's sound as it attempts to refute, both conceptual and artistically, the moral and humanistic principles developed by the human species. Created by the individual, Havard Ellefson, of Mortiis fame, we may understand VOND to be the product of one dynamic personality.  The first manifestation of VOND (in it's prior conception as HAVARD-VOND) found itself  in a recording bearing the same name (i.e., "havard-vond") released by Havard's own label, Dark Dungeon Music. This introduced VOND as a sound wholly different from the work of Mortiis or even that of FATA MORGANA (which bore some similarities to the Mortiis-style). The "Havard-Vond" recording was limited to only 1.000 copies in 7" format and is now left to the annals of collectors history.  The first album realization from Havard arrived in May of 1994 under the title "Selvmord."  This took form as a series of piano-ambient related works expressing thoughts and notions of suicide.  Graphically, the album presented a first look at Mortiis unveiled (almost literally), with Havard posing naked in a bath tub with his girlfriend, amidst blood and violence.  As a result, the album was banned in Germany. Precisely a year later, Havard decided to further the cause of his hate and disgust with humanity by recording his "AIDS to the People" MCD. Following some troubles in having this EP released, it shall finally receive press by Dark Dungeon Music sometime this year (in 10" format).  After a long silence (due to the lack of press for his EP), VOND emerged once again with "The Dark River." Interestingly, "The Dark River" was recorded during the "Crypt Of The Wizard" Mortiis single series, yet "The Dark River" portrays a sound far different from the pursuit of Mortiis. Here Havard reveals some new ideas deviating from his previous pianist-ambient drones (as presented on his debut, "Selvmord").  There are some intriguing trance electronics to be found opening this release along with percussives that seem very synthesized. In fact, half of the time, this album does not seem to convey the sense of hate or suicide that find themselves realized in the liner notes.
The two closing tracks on this album do not seem to fit on this release, but they express the same style that is found on his first album. Overall, "The Dark River" proves to be a very ambient, electronic release, that is perhaps more akin to a different genre than the ones in which VOND is most known. Thankfully, after half a year of deletion, this second album has been made available again by America's Extreme Subterranea (who are most known for their large online order catalogue of black metal and dark experimental music).  In fact, Extreme Subterranea have officially endorsed the third full length of VOND on both CD and Vinyl formats.  This new offering from Havard comes to us in the form of the "Green Eyed Demon", which finds Havard making a regression back to the likes of his debut, with greater emphasis on raw production and the new inclusion of low frequency sounds. One might recall the sounds of BRIGHTER DEATH NOW when contemplating this new work of VOND which has an exhaustive use of sampling which interestingly lasts throughout the entirety of all the tracks. At some points, the samples may be obscure and interesting and at other times they may appear lame or amusing.  This offers a conclusive unique edge to the VOND sound, which seemingly hints towards feelings of insanity or pure chaos.  Spoken word elements may also be found in the context of "Green Eyed Demon."  An interesting note would be the strange photograph of Havard featured in the jewel case, which depicts Havard in his typical VOND bath tub scenario, yet this time presenting an effect similar to that of Marlyn Manson (of all people?).  See the image on this page for reference!  A peculiar depiction, but interesting nonetheless. Overall, VOND appears to be evolving in a fluid manner, yet becoming more disturbing with each release. VOND shall continue to appeal to the minds of the perverted and disturbed. Grab a razor... and indulge.