I think I'm amazed that someone actually replied to this thread after so long!
I'd disagree with that quote; grunge does have some of the same values as punk (like no values at all...) but it's definately got it's own distinctive sound though it's roots are in punk and garage. The best way I could describe it is heavy melodic music played messily with too much distortion. And if you've got the bollocks to pull it off then that noise sounds fucking wicked.
But yeah, you're right, probably Sabbath. They're my all-time greatest band in the world as well...