A leading example of overseas grunge bands: from Nirvana to Alice in Chains.
Are you familiar with grunge, the genre that dramatically changed the course of music history? In the early 1990s, this music scene erupted out of Seattle, USA, sweeping the nation with its heavy sonics and dark lyrics that resonated deeply with countless listeners.
Raw, unfiltered vocals, distorted guitar tones, and a defiant attitude continue to captivate music fans around the world to this day.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the key international bands that defined the grunge movement.
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A leading example of overseas grunge bands. From Nirvana to Alice in Chains (11–20)
In BloomNirvana
A melodic song written by Kurt Cobain that sings of contempt and aggression toward those who lack tolerance.
It’s also known for having four different music videos.
Country artist Sturgill Simpson covered the track on his 2016 album A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.
AlivePearl Jam
Originally, this song was one of three demos the band made at London Bridge Studio in Seattle while they were still looking for a vocalist and a drummer.
The lyrics, written by Eddie Vedder, who later became the lead vocalist, are about a boy who discovers that the man he thought was his father is actually his stepfather, and that his real father has passed away.
OutshinedSoundgarden
One of his personal songs written by Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden.
It sings about the extremities of his personality.
The lyric “I’m looking California, but feeling Minnesota” is said to be one of the most memorable Soundgarden lines.
Cherub RockThe Smashing Pumpkins
A song that delivers a sardonic jab at the credibility of “indie” within Chicago’s music scene.
Written by Billy Corgan and released as a single in 1993.
The music video, directed by Kevin Kerslake, was shot on a Super 8 camera.
Hunger StrikeTemple Of The Dog
A song Chris Cornell wrote in honor of his good friend Andrew Wood, who died of a heroin overdose in March 1990.
It features vocals by Chris and Eddie Vedder.
The music video, directed by Paul Rachman, was filmed at Discovery Park in Seattle.
VasolineStone Temple Pilots
A song about fighting until ultimately meeting one’s fate, rather than being killed instantly.
It was released as a single in 1994.
The song reached No.
1 on the Modern Rock chart and No.
38 on the Airplay chart.
Leading overseas grunge bands: From Nirvana to Alice in Chains (21–30)
Blind Youth Industrial ParkMETZ
METZ is a Canadian trio that hurls the violent impulses of ’90s grunge into the present with even sharper noise.
The members are guitarist Alex Edkins, bassist Chris Slorach, and drummer Hayden Menzies.
They released their debut album, METZ, on the storied grunge label Sub Pop in October 2012, earning high acclaim and a nomination for the Polaris Prize the following year.
On the album Strange Peace, they enlisted Steve Albini, known for his work with Nirvana, further honing their raw, visceral sound.
Their roaring wall of sound—where distorted guitars and pummeling drums collide—is nothing short of overwhelming.
Balancing raw energy with intelligent sonic design, their music is sure to satisfy anyone seeking something intense.