1. Nirvana:
- Led by the late Kurt Cobain, Nirvana is considered the flagship band of the grunge movement. Their breakout album, "Nevermind" (1991), featuring hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit," ushered in a new era in rock music and made grunge a global phenomenon.
2. Pearl Jam:
- Fronted by Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam rose to prominence with their debut album, "Ten" (1991). Their emotional, powerful rock anthems, such as "Alive" and "Jeremy," resonated with audiences and solidified their status as one of the most successful and influential bands of the era.
3. Soundgarden:
- Soundgarden was known for its heavy, riff-driven sound and Chris Cornell's distinct vocals. Their album "Superunknown" (1994), which included hits like "Spoonman" and "Black Hole Sun," showcased their musical versatility and solidified their place in Seattle's music history.
4. Alice in Chains:
- With Layne Staley as the lead vocalist, Alice in Chains became renowned for their dark and introspective lyrics. Their albums "Dirt" (1992) and "Jar of Flies" (1994) showcased their unique blend of heavy riffs and acoustic melodies.
5. Mudhoney:
- Mudhoney is one of the pioneers of the grunge movement. Their raw, distorted sound and unapologetically lo-fi aesthetics helped shape the genre. Their album "Superfuzz Bigmuff" (1988) is considered a landmark grunge release.
6. The Presidents of the United States of America:
- Known for their catchy pop-grunge sound, The Presidents of the United States of America achieved mainstream success with their debut album, which included the hit single "Lump."
7. Screaming Trees:
- Led by Mark Lanegan, Screaming Trees blended elements of psychedelic rock, grunge, and alternative rock. Their albums "Uncle Anesthesia" (1991) and "Sweet Oblivion" (1992) showcased their evocative songwriting and musicianship.
8. Temple of the Dog:
- Formed as a side project featuring members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog released their self-titled debut album (1990), with songs that paid tribute to the late Andrew Wood, lead vocalist of the band Mother Love Bone.
9. Tad:
- Tad was known for their heavy, sludgy sound and aggressive vocals. Their albums, including "God's Balls" (1988) and "8-Way Santa" (1989), were influential in the development of grunge and heavy rock music.
10. Melvins:
- Melvins, formed in 1983, is often regarded as one of the pioneers of sludge metal and grunge. Their experimental, heavy sound influenced numerous bands that emerged from the Seattle scene and beyond.