Placebo

With their androgynous aesthetic and raw attack, Placebo caused a stir upon their debut in the 1990s, when Brit-pop ruled the charts and grunge was on its way out. Once described as a glam version of Nirvana, the multinational band delivered a potent blend of dark alt-rock with goth and electronic undertones, creating a sound more aligned with Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, Muse, and Silversun Pickups. Crashing onto the British scene, the then-trio raised eyebrows with their first hit, "Nancy Boy" from 1997's Placebo, providing a stark alternative to Brit-pop's lad culture. ...