Grunge

Grunge was a rock movement that emerged in Seattle, Washington, during the mid-1980s, combining the raw intensity of punk with the heavy riffs of hard rock and metal. Characterised by distorted guitars, introspective lyrics and an intentionally unpolished sound, grunge became a global phenomenon in the early 1990s through bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains.

The movement also developed a distinctive aesthetic, favouring flannel shirts, worn denim and an understated rejection of mainstream glamour. Although its commercial peak was relatively brief, grunge reshaped alternative music and popular culture, influencing countless artists and changing the direction of rock music. Today, it remains one of the defining genres and cultural movements of the late 20th century.