Grunge is a music genre that emerged in the late 1980s and gained mainstream popularity in the early 1990s, particularly in Seattle. It is characterized by its raw sound, heavy guitar riffs, and themes of disillusionment and angst. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden became iconic figures of the movement, blending elements of punk rock and heavy metal. The grunge aesthetic also influenced fashion, with a preference for thrift store clothing, flannel shirts, and combat boots. This cultural phenomenon not only shaped music but also left a lasting impact on art and youth culture, symbolizing a generation's struggle against societal norms.