Grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock music that emerged in the late 1980s and flourished in the early 1990s. Originating mainly from Seattle in the United States, grunge combines elements of punk, metal, and indie rock, characterized by a raw, dynamic, and "dirty" sound, as well as lyrics that express feelings of disappointment and alienation. It is often associated with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, and is distinguished by the "distinctive" style of its artists.