Soundgarden released Badmotorfinger in 1991 before its later breakthrough album Superunknown.
Badmotorfinger was Soundgarden’s third studio album and the first to feature bassist Ben Shepherd, who replaced Jason Everman. The record expanded the band’s heavy sound with complex rhythms, unusual tunings and forceful performances from vocalist Chris Cornell.
Its best-known songs include “Rusty Cage,” “Outshined” and “Jesus Christ Pose.” The album arrived during the rapid rise of Seattle alternative rock and was certified double platinum in the United States. It also received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.
Superunknown followed in 1994 and brought Soundgarden much wider international attention, especially through “Black Hole Sun.” Louder Than Love was the band’s 1989 major-label debut, while Down on the Upside came after Superunknown.