Released: 07/04/92
Soundgarden’s second major-label album, Badmotorfinger, marked a major leap in craft and ambition. Sharper production, focused songwriting, and complex, dissonant riffs showcased a mature, muscular sound that set them apart from their earlier work. Though less accessible than contemporaries like Nevermind and Ten, the album’s cerebral, arty approach—boosted by new bassist Ben Shepherd’s contributions—pulled their sound into a confident, challenging hard rock statement. Badmotorfinger signaled Soundgarden’s arrival in rock’s big leagues, paving the way for their later mainstream success.