They might not be the first band you think of when you hear the word “grunge,” but Soundgarden transcended Seattle in just about every possible way.

Although the band came together in 1984 around charismatic frontman Chris Cornell and quickly ascended to become the sweaty centerpiece of Seattle’s burgeoning underground scene, Soundgarden were originally regarded as a metal band — albeit one that combined the majesty of Led Zeppelin with hardcore punk and psychedelic influences. Even after the G-word became ubiquitous in pop culture, Soundgarden played a ferocious brand of music all their own.

Although the band came together in 1984 around charismatic frontman Chris Cornell and quickly ascended to become the sweaty centerpiece of Seattle’s burgeoning underground scene, Soundgarden were originally regarded as a metal band — albeit one that combined the majesty of Led Zeppelin with hardcore punk and psychedelic influences. Even after the G-word became ubiquitous in pop culture, Soundgarden played a ferocious brand of music all their own.

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