Grunge

Grunge is an alternative rock genre and subculture that emerged in the mid-1980s in Washington state (specifically Seattle), blending heavy metal's sludgy, distorted guitar sound with punk rock's raw energy. Characterized by introspective, angst-filled lyrics, it rejected mainstream 1980s rock aesthetics for a more authentic, unkempt style. Iconic bands include Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains.