Soundgarden

+## History

+Soundgarden was formed in Seattle in 1984 by vocalist and drummer Chris Cornell, guitarist [Kim Thayil](/wiki/kim_thayil), and bassist [Hiro Yamamoto](/wiki/hiro_yamamoto). [Matt Cameron](/wiki/matt_cameron) joined as the permanent drummer in 1986, allowing Cornell to focus solely on vocals. The band quickly gained local attention in the burgeoning Seattle music scene, signing with the independent label [Sub Pop](/wiki/sub_pop) for early EPs like *Screaming Life* (1987) and *Fopp* (1988).

+Their debut album, *Ultramega OK*, was released on SST Records in 1988, earning them a [Grammy Award](/wiki/grammy_award) nomination. They then signed with A&M Records, releasing *Louder Than Love* in 1989, which became their first album to chart on the Billboard 200. Yamamoto departed the band shortly after, replaced first by Jason Everman and then permanently by [Ben Shepherd](/wiki/ben_shepherd) in 1990.

+The band's 1991 album, *Badmotorfinger*, saw them break into the mainstream, fueled by the rising popularity of grunge. It featured singles like "Outshined" and "Rusty Cage" and earned another Grammy nomination. Their commercial peak arrived with *Superunknown* in 1994, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and contained smash hits such as "Black Hole Sun," "Spoonman," and "Fell on Black Days." This album cemented their status as global rock icons.

+Following the success of *Superunknown*, Soundgarden released *Down on the Upside* in 1996. Despite critical acclaim and continued commercial success, internal tensions grew, leading to the band's initial breakup in 1997. During their hiatus, members pursued various projects, including Cornell forming [Audioslave](/wiki/audioslave) and Cameron joining [Pearl Jam](/wiki/pearl_jam).

+Soundgarden was an American rock band formed in Seattle in 1984, becoming a foundational pillar of the [Grunge](/wiki/grunge) movement. Their unique blend of heavy rock and psychedelic sound, anchored by the commanding voice of [Chris Cornell](/wiki/chris_cornell), left an indelible mark on alternative music.

+## See also

+- [Seattle Sound](/wiki/seattle_sound)

+- [Alternative Rock](/wiki/alternative_rock)

+- [Heavy Metal](/wiki/heavy_metal)