Born in a relatively shanky seattle garage, Xiod started out as a venue of experimentation. In 1991 Monte Emerson, the founder of Xiod, began to experiment with general midi compatible form of FM synthesis at the age of 11. Then known as M.O.E., or Mostly Osculated emulation, he wrote about 10 compositions. Later that same year, he purchased his own general midi (GM)compliant sound card with a wave table, which he used to compose songs using computer software, and wrote 25 more songs.

In 1998, Xiod grew to include Monte's sister Anji who had been studying music at a local university and taking private voice lessons. In 1996 he began using a more advanced form of GM known as XG. This was a major turning point in his experimentation since the quality features and performance outdid any other medium he had previously worked with. Experimentation with XG opened his mind to more possibilities.

A friend introduced him to a software application called Buzz, a Jeskola software creation, which allowed emulation of multiple types of synthetic sounds. He also learned from Buzz that it was possible to generate unique sounds by layering multiple types of effects and he began experimenting with recording his own sounds; looping short sections and layering effects over them. He has experimented with sounds from accoustic and electronic insruments, people, animals, toasters, small kitchen appliances, and other 'noise makers.'

Xiod began working with a local recording studio in the year 2000. Since then, they have become more serious about playing profesionally. Xiod has over 100 completed original musical arrangements, with over 200 others in the works.