12 Best Cult Hard Rock Albums Of The 90s

At the dawn of the 90's, every single rock release on the rise seemed to need a certain grunge element in order to break through to the mainstream. While the bands from Seattle were gaining massive exposure due to their feral riffs and abrasive vocals, something a bit different was happening in Chicago.

The Smashing Pumpkins' debut album Gish is one of those unsung heroes of the grunge era of rock. The band never really fit in with the more classic rock styles of Seattle, but their sound still hit like a sledgehammer due to the massive drum sound of Jimmy Chamberlain. All of these songs cut through thanks to Billy Corgan's impeccable attention to detail when it came to arranging his compositions. Some tracks like "Siva" even feature that more riffy rock template from the band's cousins in the Northwest.

Additionally, this is one of the first success stories for Butch Vig, who would go on to create instant classics further down the road with the Foo Fighters along with Nirvana's Nevermind. Though the Smashing Pumpkins certainly went on to bigger and better things on their next records, Gish shows the listener that the otherworldly sounds of their hits were present from the group's very beginnings.