The Smashing Pumpkins is an American rock band formed in 1988 in Chicago. The band is known for its unique blend of alternative rock, heavy metal, and dream pop. Their music often features layered guitar sounds and introspective lyrics, which helped them gain popularity in the 1990s. The band's most successful album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, was released in 1995 and received critical acclaim. Over the years, The Smashing Pumpkins has undergone several lineup changes, with lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan being the constant driving force behind the group.