We take a look back at the artists who changed the musical landscape.

The Seattle grunge era was characterised by the emergence of numerous legendary bands that left a significant mark on the music industry. It’s tough to determine a single “best” band, as each of them had their unique contributions and influences. Here are 10 of the most iconic bands from this period and why they were considered legendary:

Nirvana

Nirvana, led by Kurt Cobain, epitomised the grunge movement. Their groundbreaking album Nevermind (1991) transformed the music scene and brought alternative rock to the mainstream. With raw, emotional music, Nirvana became a symbol of the ’90s and left an indelible impact on music history.

Pearl Jam

With Eddie Vedder’s soulful vocals, Pearl Jam established themselves as one of the leading bands of the era. Their debut album Ten (1991) resonated with a broad audience, and their unwavering commitment to authenticity and social issues earned them a dedicated fan base.

Soundgarden

Led by the late Chris Cornell, Soundgarden combined heavy metal and alternative rock, forging a unique and influential sound. Albums like Badmotorfinger (1991) and Superunknown (1994) solidified their status as grunge legends.

Alice in Chains

Known for their dark, haunting sound, Alice in Chains featured the harmonising vocals of Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. Their albums, such as Dirt (1992), explored themes of addiction and despair, making them a standout band in the grunge scene.

Stone Temple Pilots

While not technically from Seattle, Stone Temple Pilots embraced the grunge sound and achieved mainstream success. Their album Core (1992) showcased their blend of grunge, hard rock, and psychedelic elements.

Mudhoney

As one of the first bands to gain attention from the Sub Pop record label, Mudhoney played a crucial role in shaping the grunge movement. Their raw and aggressive sound was influential in inspiring other grunge bands.

Temple of the Dog

Formed as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late frontman of Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog was a unique collaboration between members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Their self-titled album (1991) is a significant work in the grunge canon.

Screaming Trees

With their bluesy and psychedelic grunge sound, Screaming Trees was a prominent band in the underground scene, contributing to the diversity of grunge music.

Mother Love Bone

Despite their short-lived career due to Andrew Wood’s untimely death, Mother Love Bone’s mix of glam and grunge elements left a lasting impact on the Seattle music community. Surviving members went on to form Pearl Jam and Temple of the Dog.

Melvins

While more of a proto-grunge and experimental metal band, the Melvins significantly influenced the grunge scene, inspiring many musicians who later became part of the movement.

Each of these bands brought something unique to the grunge era, shaping the sound, culture, and legacy of the Seattle music scene. Their collective impact has ensured their status as legendary figures in the history of rock music.