← The Liner Notes
Artist Spotlight

Soundgarden

grunge · 1991–1996

Soundgarden
📷 musicisentropy · CC BY-SA 2.0

Soundgarden is an American rock band known for their grunge and alternative rock sound, blending heavy metal and hard rock elements. Originating from Seattle in 1984, the group features Chris Cornell on vocals, Kim Thayil on guitar, Ben Shepherd on bass, and Matt Cameron on drums. Their catalog boasts memorable tracks like “Black Hole Sun,” “Spoonman,” “Outshined,” and “Rusty Cage,” showcasing a unique mix of moody lyrics and powerful instrumentation. With roots in the underground scene, they left an undeniable mark on the '90s music landscape. Though they disbanded in 1997 and later reunited, their legacy continues to echo through the riffs and rhythms that defined a pivotal era in rock music.

The facts

  • Formed 1984
  • United States
  • grunge, alternative rock, heavy metal music
  • On Sub Pop, A&M Records, C/Z Records
  • Members: Chris Cornell 🕯️, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd, Matt Cameron, Hiro Yamamoto

The story behind “Black Hole Sun”

  • The melting-smile video was inescapable on MTV in '94.

Soundgarden in the crate

Jesus Christ Pose
Soundgarden1991
Black Hole Sun
Soundgarden1994
Fell on Black Days
Soundgarden1994
The Day I Tried to Live
Soundgarden1994
Blow Up the Outside World
Soundgarden1996
Burden in My Hand
Soundgarden1996
👕 Had the shirt? Get the Soundgarden teeShop →

🛍️ Get the Soundgarden merch

Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate and an 80sTees affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Details