harcore punk & heavy metal = Grunge, grunge is generally characterized by heavily distorted electric guitars, contrasting song dynamics, and apathetic or angst-filled lyrics. Grunge fuses elements of hardcore punk and heavy metal, Grunge bands were noted for their punk/indie attitudes; and the music shares with punk a raw sound and similar lyrical concerns However grunge also involves slower tempos, dissonant harmonies, and more complex instrumentation; often reminiscent of heavy metal. For me nirvana is grunge because of the style and the sound and der lyrics. i love Grunge!