Éter
Scalene
2015
Why This Album Matters
Éter, the second studio album by the Brasília-based band Scalene, released in 2015, represents a significant landmark in contemporary Brazilian rock. Initially released independently and later re-edited by Som Livre's SLAP label, this work solidified the group's identity, blending diverse influences to create a robust and deeply introspective sound. The album is a melting pot where stoner rock, alternative metal, and elements of 90s alternative rock converge, resulting in an intense and dense sonic experience. With its poetic lyrics full of existential angst, Éter stands out for its ability to transport the listener into a particular universe, where striking riffs and captivating melodies intertwine. The work demonstrates a notable evolution and maturity from Scalene, who successfully incorporated references from bands such as Queens of the Stone Age, Deftones, Muse, and even Radiohead, without losing their authentic voice. Gustavo Bertoni's singular vocal performance and the band's audacity in exploring different musical textures and dynamics make Éter an essential listen for those seeking depth and intensity in Brazilian rock.
Context
Formed in Brasília in 2009, Scalene had already built a solid fanbase and accumulated experience on the stages of major festivals, such as Lollapalooza Brasil and SXSW, with their 2013 debut album, Real/Surreal. However, it was their participation in TV Globo's musical reality show SuperStar in 2015 that catapulted the band to national recognition. The visibility gained from the programme, where Scalene received critical acclaim and broke public voting records, generated enormous anticipation for Éter, which became one of the most eagerly awaited releases in Brazilian rock. During this period, mainstream Brazilian rock lacked prominent new names, while the underground was buzzing with promising bands. Scalene, with their undeniable credibility and talent, emerged as one of the few capable of moving between these worlds, appealing both to the more demanding heavy rock audience and a wider public, without compromising their essence. The release of Éter, therefore, not only marked a high point in the band's career but also represented a crucial moment for rock made in Brazil.
Recording
The production of Éter was a collaborative effort, with Scalene themselves actively participating alongside Diego Marx and Lampadinha. This arrangement ensured that the final sound reflected the quartet's artistic vision, allowing for experimentation and the integration of their diverse influences. The recording process resulted in twelve tracks totalling just over forty minutes of music. The post-production phase involved the work of Ricardo Ponte, responsible for mixing and mastering the album, ensuring the sound quality and cohesion of the material. Paulo Lira served as audio operator, contributing to the capture of the performances that make up the record. This multifaceted team was fundamental in translating the intensity and the complexity of Scalene's compositions into a polished and impactful final product.
Songs
Éter features twelve original compositions that explore themes such as personal limits, destiny, existence, and internal torments, translated into poetic lyrics laden with symbolism. The opening track, "Sublimação", is a powerful invitation into the band's universe, with deep melodies and the fusion of instrumental weight with delicate arrangements. On "O Peso da Pena", the band delivers a denser sound, while "Histeria" stands out for its brutality and impactful lyrics, evoking a sense of loss of control and questioning one's own limits. Other highlights include "Fogo", which incorporates grunge influences with the contrast between acoustic and heavy guitars, and "Furacão", which surprises with its beauty and the absence of distorted guitars, demonstrating the band's versatility. The song "Terra" begins with an atmosphere reminiscent of 80s and 90s Brazilian rock, culminating in a sonic explosion and featuring the participation of Mauro Henrique from Oficina G3. The album concludes with the grand and sombre "Loucure-se", which utilises string arrangements and a profusion of guitars to create a theatrical and thematic atmosphere, solidifying the sonic and emotional journey proposed by Éter.
Legacy
Éter not only consolidated Scalene as one of the leading names in Brazilian rock but also achieved prestigious international recognition. In 2016, the album was honoured with the Latin Grammy for Best Rock Album in Portuguese Language, an achievement the band shared with Ian Ramil's album Derivacivilização. This award underlined the quality and relevance of the work, highlighting it within the Ibero-American music scene. Critical reception was largely positive, with many considering Éter a strong contender for best national album of 2015 and even a "small masterpiece". Massive national exposure, boosted by their participation in the SuperStar programme, amplified the album and band's reach, paving the way for alternative rock to regain visibility in major media outlets. The re-release by a Som Livre record label also attested to the growing demand for Scalene's work, which became a cornerstone for the revitalisation of contemporary rock in Brazil.
Rankings
Tracks
Credits
Diego Marx, Lampadinha, Scalene
Gustavo Bertoni, Tomás Bertoni
Gustavo Bertoni, Philipe Nogueira, Tomás Bertoni
Lucas Furtado
Philipe Nogueira
Gustavo Bertoni, Tomás Bertoni
Ricardo Ponte
Lucas Lima
William Carvalho
Ricardo Ponte
Paulo Lira
Frederico Félix
Videos
Scalene - Éter ALBUM REVIEW
Legal Records
Scalene - Éter ALBUM REVIEW
The Cookie Collector
Books
Analyses
Éter – Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
[RESENHA] - SCALENE - ÉTER (2015). - O SubSolo | Sua Base de Rock e Metal
osubsolo.com
O vocal de Gustavo permanece intacto, sem perder em qualidade das demais canções, é uma voz que amacia os ouvidos de todas as formas possíveis. Em 'Gravidade' percebemos que o disco é uma dose ideal, com peso e melodias, com arranjos lindos, um piano que te encanta.
Resenha: Scalene - Éter - TMDQA!
tenhomaisdiscosqueamigos.com
Em seu novo disco, a banda brasiliense Scalene mostra que tem talento e credenciais para se tornar um dos principais nomes do rock brasileiro.
Crítica | "Éter" - Scalene - Plano Crítico
planocritico.com
Scalene cria um álbum muito bem trabalhado e se apresenta como um bom sinal para o futuro do rock em terras tupiniquins, abrindo a possibilidade de assumir um lugar importante no mainstream brasileiro que há anos se vê com pouquíssimos novos grupos do estilo.
Resenha de "Éter", o novo álbum da Scalene - Na Rota do Rock
narotadorock.com
Da natureza das canções, podemos identificar cada uma das qualidades da Scalene, como o belo vocal cadenciado, a leveza singular e/ou a força do peso.
Discogs
Éter – Discogs
discogs.com