15. Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails was formed by singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Trent Reznor. He’s considered a pioneer of the industrial music genre. Their second album, The Downward Spiral (1994), reached #2 on the Billboard 200. Nine Inch Nails’ music has been widely used in film soundtracks. They’ve sold over 20 million records worldwide and received 13 Grammy nominations with two wins.
14. Pantera
Pantera abandoned their hair metal roots on their fifth and first major-label album Cowboys from Hell (1990). The heavier sound paid off yielding a platinum album. The follow-up Vulgar Display of Power (1992) was even heavier and more successful reaching #44. Far Beyond Driven (1994) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Pantera has sold around 20 million records worldwide.
13. Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains was formed in 1987. They pioneered the grunge movement with Facelift (1990). Three of their six studio albums were released in the 1990s and yielded 19 top 40 singles on the mainstream rock chart, including the #1 “No Excuses.” Their self-titled third album reached #1. Alice in Chains has sold over 30 million records worldwide.
12. Soundgarden
Soundgarden was formed in 1984. They pioneered the grunge rock genre. The group found success on their third album, Badmotorfinger (#39), and skyrocketed to fame with 1994’s Superunknown, which went #1 in several countries and won two Grammys. Singer Chris Cornell went solo after 1996’s platinum Down on the Upside. Soundgarden has sold an estimated 30 million albums worldwide.
11. Foo Fighters
Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl formed Foo Fighters in 1994 as lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist. Grohl’s songwriting yielded alternative rock with pop, radio-friendly hooks that earned the group 15 Grammy awards. During the 1990s, Foo Fighters had seven top 10 singles on the alternative rock chart including “Learn to Fly” (#1). Foo Fighters have sold more than 32 million records worldwide.
