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 (1–10)
Scar TissueRed Hot Chili Peppers
A single released in 1999.
It reached No.
1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
The music video was directed by French filmmaker Stéphane Sednaoui.
Second SkinThe Gits
The Gits are an American band whose bluesy, impassioned vocals shake the soul.
The members were vocalist Mia Zapata, guitarist Andy Kessler, bassist Matt Dresdner, and drummer Steve Moriarty.
They moved to Seattle in 1989 and drew attention from the underground scene with their 1992 album, Frenching the Bully.
Mia’s voice has been compared to Janis Joplin’s, and the fusion of her soulful cries with the band’s ferocious sound was said to create a truly singular presence.
However, in July 1993, the band met a tragic end when Mia was murdered at the age of 27.
They’re a band that will resonate with anyone seeking raw, visceral rock that feels carved from the soul.
Honey BucketMelvins
Often regarded as the unsung heroes of the grunge scene, Melvins are a band that began in Washington State in 1983.
Known for their heavy, dragging guitar riffs and experimental song structures, they’re also recognized as pioneers of sludge metal and doom metal.
They made their debut with the 1987 album Gluey Porch Treatments, and in 1993 released the acclaimed major-label album Houdini.
That record drew significant attention in part because Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was deeply involved in its production.
The band exerted a massive influence on numerous grunge acts, including Cobain’s own band and Soundgarden.
If you want to experience a sound that defies convention—relentlessly heavy and utterly original—Melvins are the perfect choice.
I Wanna Be Your DogThe Stooges
An indispensable presence when discussing the origins of grunge is the American band The Stooges.
Formed in Michigan in 1967, their sound—often classified as proto-punk and garage rock—is said to have provided the blueprint for later punk and grunge.
The vocalist, Iggy Pop, became famous for his extreme performances, including stage-diving into the audience.
Their 1969 debut album, The Stooges, didn’t fare well commercially at the time, but its primal energy captivated even David Bowie.
In 2010, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—perhaps proof that the times finally caught up with them.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the raw yet pure early impulse of rock that bands like Nirvana loved.
Them BonesAlice In Chains
This song is the opening track of Alice in Chains’ highly acclaimed 1992 album Dirt.
It was used in the American version of the animated film Street Fighter II.
In 2006, it was covered by the Swedish death metal band Grave.
Where To StartBully
Bully is an American rock project that revives the spirit of ’90s grunge for the modern era.
It currently operates as the solo project of founder Alicia Bognanno, who also honed her skills as an engineer at a renowned studio.
The project debuted in June 2015 with the album “Feels Like.” While it has no official awards, the 2023 release “Lucky for You” was selected for many year-end best-of lists by music media, earning widespread critical acclaim.
Alicia’s raw, scream-like vocals and guitar sound—heavy yet packed with pop hooks—are truly one-of-a-kind.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking both the ruggedness of grunge and catchy melodies.
Wasted DaysCloud Nothings
Cloud Nothings, from Ohio, USA, is a band that began in 2009 as Dylan Baldi’s solo project.
Their sound is a blend of the intensity of noise rock and post-hardcore with irresistibly singable pop elements—a “catchy noise” that’s their core appeal.
A major turning point came in 2012 with the acclaimed album Attack on Memory, produced by Steve Albini, famed for his work with Nirvana; it garnered Pitchfork’s Best New Music designation and drew worldwide attention.
Their raw, pummeling performances and Dylan’s near-screamed vocals feel like the spirit of ’90s grunge carried into the present.
They’re the perfect band for anyone seeking beautiful melodies shining through distorted walls of sound, or rock that delivers a visceral emotional jolt.