Origin:

--> It can also be called Seattle Sound;
--> People think that the name was born because of Mark Arm (member of Green River, and after, Mudhoney), that in 1981, on Desesperate Times, used it as a synonym of dirty (grungy), in order to describe a dirty song (unclean sound, caused by the guitar's distortion);
--> It was born in Seattle, Washington DC, in the late 80's;
--> It is a subgender of Alternative Rock, Heavy Metal, Hardcore Punk and Indie Rock;
--> It met the height of popularity in the beginning of the 90s;
--> The recording company that promoted this style was Sub Pop;
--> After Grunge fell, Post-Grunge was born.

Sound caracteristics:

--> Instruments: Vocals, guitar, bass and drums (these are the basics);
--> Guitar: high distortion level, fuzz and feedback efects (screaming efect);
--> Very influenced by the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock sound;
--> Bands like Sonic Youth, Goo Goo Dolls, Pixies and Dinosaur J. are huge influences;
--> There are also some slower melodies (e.g.: Something in the Way by Nirvana);
--> "Slow verse, heavy chorus" (e.g.: Violet by Hole, or Smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana);
--> Lyrical interest similar to Punk Rock;
--> Lyrical subjects: anguish, sarcasm, social alienation, apaty, freedom wish, contempt about the society, discomfort about the society.

Musician's look:

--> sloopy look.

Success:

--> The band Soundgarden was the first one signing with a big musical company, A&M Records;
--> In 1990, Nirvana signed with Geffen Records Company, and they made Nevermind, the most successful album of the group, and with the single Smells like Teen Spirit they surpass Michael Jackson;
--> In 1991, Pearl Jam edited Ten album, that was very successful the year after.

Decline:

--> In 1994, with Kurt Cobain's death, Nirvana ended, and one of the most iconic Grunge bands ever fell;
--> Pearl Jam had problems with their tour;
--> Many Grunge bands separated.

Nowadays:

--> Pearl Jam are still successful;
--> Hole, after changing their members, are still working on, having edited Nobody's Daughter album;
--> Nirvana, even after Cobain's death, are still successful;
--> Mudhoney and Alice in Chains still rock on.