with their heavy sound and dark lyrical themes, leading them to be one of the defining bands of the early ’90s rock scene.

1991: Pearl Jam – Another band emerging from the Seattle grunge scene, Pearl Jam’s debut album “Ten” was released in 1991 and immediately became a massive commercial success thanks to hits like “Alive” and “Even Flow.”

1992: Rage Against the Machine – Fusing elements of rock, rap, and metal, Rage Against the Machine’s self-titled debut dropped in ’92, making waves with its aggressive political messages and riff-heavy sound.

1993: Tool – This progressive metal band released their full-length debut “Undertow” in 1993 to critical acclaim. Tool’s complex compositions and visceral visuals quickly garnered them a passionate following.

1994: Korn – Korn’s self-titled debut album introduced nu-metal to a wider audience, with down-tuned guitars and raw, emotive lyrics that resonated with many young listeners at the time.

1995: Foo Fighters – After Nirvana’s demise, drummer Dave Grohl stepped to the forefront with Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut in ’95. The band blended melodic elements with harder rock edges, foreshadowing their later success as mainstays of rock radio.

1996: Rammstein – A German industrial metal band formed in ’94 but came into prominence internationally with their explosive second album “Sehnsucht” released in ’97. Their theatrical live shows became synonymous with the band’s brand.

1997: Blink-182 – While formed earlier in the decade, Blink-182 hit mainstream success with their third album “Dude Ranch,” particularly because of the single “Dammit,” which brought pop-punk into more common recognition.

1998: System of a Down – Merging alternative metal with Armenian musical elements, System of a Down’s self-titled debut arrived to both critical and commercial acclaim due to its unique style and energetic live performances.

1999: Slipknot – Exploding into the metal scene with their aggressive style, Slipknot’s self-titled album showcased nine masked members unleashing a new level of intensity within metal that would lead them to become one of the most influential bands in recent decades.

These bands have contributed vastly different sounds that defined the musical landscape during this iconic era for both rock and metal. Whether through experimental approaches or revitalized classic styles, each has left an indelible mark on music history.