In Utero>Nevermind, IMO
Kurt wanted this album to be darker, heavier, and more raw than Nevermind in an attempt to get rid of all the bandwagon Nirvana fans, I don't think their record label was all too pleased with its sound either, IIRC, they wanted them to re-record it with a different producer but that didn't happen. Kurt was obviously going through a lot during the writing and recording of this album and it really comes across. It's definitely not a 'happy' album and much like Alice in Chains' Dirt album is one of those records that takes you to a dark place.