Abjection in Nirvana’s In Utero

Abstract

Nirvana was the defining band of the 1990s and had a profound impact on the esthetic and culture of that decade. Nirvana’s music still continues to be listened to across the world, decades after their lead singer and songwriter, Kurt Cobain, died. In 1993, Nirvana released their final album, and what many consider to be their masterpiece, In Utero. This article argues that the main focus of In Utero is abjection, the concept of death infecting life. In Utero conveys abjection-related information lyrically, sonically and visually. The article argues that the paradox of Nirvana’s music is that its healing effect for many people stems from its immersion in themes of deviance, abjection, and death.

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