Overview
Grunge emerged in the late 1980s and exploded into mainstream culture in the early 1990s, characterized by its heavy guitar riffs, angst-filled lyrics, and a distinct rejection of the glam and polished aesthetics of the 1980s rock scene. Bands like [[nirvana|Nirvana]], [[pearl-jam|Pearl Jam]], and [[soundgarden|Soundgarden]] spearheaded this movement from Seattle, creating a sound that encapsulated the disillusionment of a generation. The cultural resonance of grunge extended beyond music, influencing fashion, art, and attitudes of the era, while also igniting debates about authenticity and commercialism in music.