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 (1–10)
Like a HurricaneNeil Young and Crazy Horse
Known as the “Godfather” who had a profound influence on the later grunge scene, Canadian-born Neil Young and the American rock band that backs him, Crazy Horse, stand at the center of that legacy.
Since launching their work together with the landmark 1969 album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, they have captivated fans with a wide range of styles—from roaring, distorted guitar-driven noise rock to heartfelt folk.
Their raw sound is said to have influenced countless artists who followed.
Neil Young has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice as an individual and has won numerous Grammy Awards.
The rough, unbridled performances showcased on the 1990 album Ragged Glory reportedly provided direct inspiration to bands such as Nirvana.
If you want to experience soul-stirring, authentic rock, they’re the perfect choice.
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.
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.
A leading example of overseas grunge bands. From Nirvana to Alice in Chains (11–20)
River Of DeceitMad Season
Mad Season was a band formed through a collaboration of grunge artists.
It consisted of Layne Staley, the vocalist of Alice in Chains; Mike McCready, the guitarist of Pearl Jam; and Barrett Martin, the drummer of Screaming Trees.
This song was released in 1995.
Doll PartsHole
A song Courtney Love wrote in 1991, shortly after she met Kurt Cobain.
After Kurt Cobain died in 1994, and following the death of Hole’s bassist Kristen Pfaff from a drug overdose, the song is said to have taken on a new meaning.
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.