While I can’t condone the AI slop gracing the cover of Agarwaen’s latest and third album, the crazed look and scarred five-head of the Pennywise-wannabe does work towards getting across the point these purveyors of “asylum metal” are trying to make. Formed 20 years ago in city of Kouvola, located in the interior of southeastern Finland, the band’s mandate from the start was to present a musical manifestation of psychiatric hospital horrors and blood-soaked thriller flicks. To wit, their live show makes liberal use of costumes and props, their image and art teem with slashing both psychological and physical, with their “asylum metal” self-description sounding like spastic blackened Scandinavian folk metal after discovering Carnival in Coal and Mr. Bungle. Today, we invite you to take the padlocks off the loony bin for an hour or so and spin a stream of the band’s latest message from the Level Three Lockdown, The Murder Trend. The album is set for release on July 3rd via Over the Border Records and was mastered by the Grammy–winning, Svante Forsbäck and produced by Emma Award winner, Teemu Aalto.
Says the band about their newest work: “The Murder Trend is a full-scale concept album that descends into abuse, trauma, revenge and inherited madness. Told as a chronological horror narrative, the album follows Anton, a boy broken by systemic cruelty, whose life spirals from neglect and violence into ritualized murder in a circus set and cult indoctrination. What begins as social tragedy evolves into something far more grotesque: a generational curse embodied through masks and a carnival of death. Musically, the album moves between cinematic instrumentals, relentless extreme metal, crazy combinations of different styles, and theatrical passages that underline the story’s psychological collapse. It’s groovy, it’s progressive, violent as hell and yet brings a twisted smile on your face when you listen to it. Lyrically uncompromising and narratively explicit, The Murder Trend presents a bleak reflection on how victims can become monsters—and how in the modern world violent trends can spread like a contagion once given a symbol to wear.”
Last year, the ambitious St. Louis emo adventurers Foxing announced an indefinite hiatus and played their farewell show. While Foxing were active, frontman Conor Murphy made a handful of side-project records under the name Smidley. Foxing might not be active anymore, but Murphy is still going with Smidley. Today, he announces a new album called Murphy Horse and shares its lead single, which happens to feature indie star Lucy Dacus.
Elder – Through Zero (Stickman Records) [Rich Piva]
I have heard whispers from long time fans that Elder, one of the biggest bands who have broken through out of the heavy underground, have gone too soft. They are too prog, they are more Yes than anything else at this point.
I also saw that Elder’s new record, Through Zero, finished at number one on the May Doom Charts, and it wasn’t even close, even with All Them Witches putting out a record the same day. Is Elder more proggy now? Absolutely. Are they a better band musically now? Yup. Is Through Zero amazing and some of the best stuff they have ever done? A resounding yes indeed.
Sigil To Ruin, the opener, simply rules. How clean the recording can sound without being overproduced is pretty amazing. The guys rip it up on this one too, as we get some seriously killer guitar work to go along with the atmospheric prog. The synths on Capture/Release add to the complexities of the proggy/Krautrock composition that, when it kicks in, is a beautiful piece of art, with Nick DiSalvo’s vocals never sounding better and the guitar work from him and Michael Risberg at another level, even for Elder.
The changes are so great as these guys are just locked in. The title track has a nice chunky riff no one will say is too soft and the build on this one is just epic. If people want to say there is too much Yes going on listening to Through Zero they may call out Strata. This one is eleven minutes of proggy atmospheric goodness, with layered vocals, cool changes, and a ton of complexity. I wonder if the same people who say Elder is too proggy love King Buffalo? To be clear, I love King Buffalo, but I digress.
Sight Unseen goes towards Krautrock again in parts, but there is always this underlying heavy in these songs, no matter if the naysayers want to hear it or not. Just listen at about 5:30 and you will see what I mean. Closing with the most chill song on the record, Blighted Age, is a nice comedown from all of the complexity on the record, and doubles down on the beautiful atmosphere Through Zero brings.
I am probably (absolutely) overstating the new Elder naysayers, but I think they come across louder because there really has been no pushback before on their material. Rest assured people, Through Zero has everything you want from Elder, and more. Yeah, it is not recorded in a garage or shed, and yes more time and money can now go into the recordings, but the songs are still top notch and the band continues to grow as musicians and songwriters.
This is top top top shelf stuff that should not be ignored because they are bigger now. Elder still rules and this record is truly something to behold. 9/10
Prince Of Failure – Prince Of Failure (Kscope) [Matt Bladen]
Daniel Tompkins is one of the premiere voices in the metal world, his work with Tesseract has made them one of the best modern metal bands to come out of the UK in years, moving away from their initial Djent groupings into something more well rounded and brilliant than us lowly journalists could have predicted in the beginning.
Away from that though he’s and in demand guest vocalist and has his own solo project where he can show a side that’s not always heard in Tesseract. Both of his solo albums Castles and Ruins were just as inventive as his day job but added soundscapes that you may not have heard, one was also a reinterpretation of the other so clearly Daniel has a mind that is ever creating.
From that mind comes Prince Of Failure a project that deals with “neurodivergence, masking, and the psychological weight of living out of alignment with expectation” created over a long period of time alongside Paul Ortiz aka Chimp Spanner another originator of that Djent sound that is now so ubiquitous in both metal and modern pop too.
Rather than being a solo project or having it compared to either man’s musical legacy, Prince Of Failure is it’s own creation, a true collaboration that has grown into something familiar but different. The blending of oscillating electronics, intense guitar workouts and floating ambience with the intimately emotive vocals highlights the skillset of both men but never takes this album off into needless virtuosity.
It’s an album that is song focussed and projects it narrative theme through the dynamic music this duo create as Ortiz’s instrumental brilliance drives a darker edged sound than falls back to those djent early days but retains all the modernity of where it is now with track such as the menacing Phantom where Daniel’s vocals are at their rawest and most melodic too, the deeply personal lyrics about living in shame of who you really are and masking that for the everyday really resonating.
It’s told with a narrative arc, from the initial self pity though to self acceptance, built within a world of progressive, atmospheric and expertly crafted instrumentals by Ortiz that accentuate the vocal brilliance of Tompkins, joined by Krystyn Hope of Daedric. Fans of Tesseract, Chimp Spanner will obviously love this but it’s also hinged on the style of Karnivool or any band that is signed to Kscope.
No sign of failure here Ortiz and Tompkins are a winning combination. 9/10
Alunah/Samavayo – Embers Of Belief (Heavy Psych Sounds) [Rich Piva]
I love a good split album. Labels like Ripple Music and Heavy Psych Sounds have really perfected this form of release. The latter are up now with their latest split from two killer bands: UK’s Alunah and Germany’s Samavayo. These two bands have released some killer stuff before, and this does not stop on this split album, titled Embers of Belief.
Starting with four tracks from Alunah, who are now featuring a new lead vocalist, Daisy Savage, who brings a more Pat Benatar poppy feel to the big riffs and proto sounds of the band. When I say “poppy” this is a complement; Savage’s voice fits perfectly with the sound of the band, with case in point being the opener, On Blacklow Hill, which comes along with a killer riff too.
La Pucelle has some killer guitar work and shows a bit of Savage’s range as a vocalist. The other two Alunah tracks are live and feature Savage’s debut as the new singer, taking on two previously recorded tracks, Hazy Jane (from 2024’s Fever Dream) and a melody from their 2019 record, Violent Hour. Both sound excellent and show how Savage will be a welcomed addition to the band.
Samavayo brings their heavy stoner psych stylings to three tracks. First, the crunchy BAVAR, which has interesting origins to the point that is worth checking out the description of it on their Bandcamp page, but all you need to know here is that it is very, very cool. Mottainai is an aggressive number that shows the band’s heavier side and rips it up. California Sky is an interesting one. A ten minute acoustic psych number inspired by their US tour and trip to the desert. Very cool stuff.
Another cool split from Heavy Psych Sounds. It was a great move by Alunah to get some tracks out there with their new singer to show how perfectly she fits in the band, while Samavayo do their thing like they seem to always do. Good stuff from two great bands. 7/10 Leoni Jane Kennedy – Synthetic (Self Released) [Matt Bladen]
There aren’t many artists who can tour with both neo-prog outfit Solstice and veteran blues man Walter Trout, but Leoni Jane Kennedy is just that sort of artist. The PRS Guitars sponsored artist, multi award winner and recipient of the Freddie Mercury Scholarship which financed her university tuition.
She’s previously released acoustic versions for Rush classics on New World Woman but returns with an album of her own material that was financed by her fans through Kickstarter in just 6 days. A few of these songs have been with Kennedy for many years but they are all presented here for the first time to an audience that are now well aware of Kennedy’s style of inventive, progressive rock.
Leoni takes vocals, guitars on the record, co-producing with Eliot Kennedy who mixes, masters and Nick Andrew who assisted in production and engineering while also playing synths and Midi Guitar. It’s a record that sounds lush and vast, which lets Leoni express her inventive sound fully, moving away from the covers many will associate her with and into a world created by her own compositions.
Will Plunkett plays bass, James Jackman plays drums, the driving, expressive rhythms to Kennedy’s fluid playing and soulful vocals ala Susan Tedeschi. From the orchestral title track, through the jazzy Closer, there’s musical dexterity to this release with the dreamy Sloe reminding me of Jeff Buckley while Test The Water and Different Kind Of Woman brings a bit of bluesing.
Synthetic is an excellent record from Leoni Jane Kennedy, blues, prog and more there’s lots here to love. 8/10
Swedish power metal torchbearers TUNGSTEN continue building anticipation for their upcoming fifth studio album Ashes, set for release on October 9 via PERCEPTION – A Division Of Reigning Phoenix Music, with the launch of their brand-new single “Sunshine Of Fall.” Following the recent releases of “Joker” and “The North Will Rise” (feat. Tony Kakko of SONATA ARCTICA), the track offers another glimpse […]
Joy Division will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year, which happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the band’s formation. To mark these occasions, the post-punk legends will be releasing their first official collection of concert recordings. Eternal (Live) is a robust 14-CD set containing audio from 16 live performances.
Swedish atmospheric black metal duo Grey Shores have announced the release of their debut album, Dark Waters of Night, due out on September 4. A deeply haunting work, it bridges the emotional power of post-rock with the cold, majestic intensity of black metal. Formed in 2023 by Martin Andersson and Vilhelm Andersson, Grey Shores may be a new name, but both musicians have […]
Jennifer Lopez is often used as an example of ageless beauty, high energy, and physical discipline after 50.
At 56, her look is frequently tied to consistent medical care, nutritious food, recovery habits, and strict self-care rather than quick fixes.
Lopez’s 5S beauty framework centers on sleep, supplements, sunscreen, serum, and sano. Sano comes out of the Spanish phrase “vivir sano,” which means living well.
In practice, it points to a lifestyle built around healthy food, regular exercise, plenty of water, no smoking, and no alcohol.
Lopez’s beauty routine works because it treats prevention and recovery as daily requirements.
5S Philosophy Behind Her Beauty Routine
Lopez’s 5S system is useful because it organizes beauty into habits that affect skin, body, and energy at once.
Instead of treating skincare as a surface step only, it connects visible results with rest, nourishment, protection, and lifestyle choices.
A consistent beauty routine works best when skincare, recovery, and lifestyle support each other
Sleep
Sleep is one of the first parts of her routine. She reportedly tries to get about eight hours nightly, while some routine breakdowns place her goal at 8 to 10 hours.
That range supports both appearance and performance.
Rest helps the body repair tissue, recover after training, regulate mood, and support clearer-looking skin. It also helps reduce fatigue, dullness, and dark circles.
Several beauty-related benefits are tied to consistent sleep:
Hormone regulation helps metabolism, immune function, and recovery.
Muscle repair supports strength sessions, dance cardio, and performance work.
Better mood and energy make consistency easier the next day.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable anti-aging habit in Lopez’s routine. Daily SPF helps protect against ultraviolet damage linked to wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity.
Application matters as much as the SPF number. Many people use too little product, so SPF 50 or above can offer a safer margin.
Two to three finger lengths should cover the face, back of the ears, and entire neck.
Start at the center of the face and spread outward. Skin should feel coated with a protective layer.
A layer that disappears too quickly may mean the amount is too low.
Serum
Serum is the targeted skincare step in the 5S system. Serums usually absorb easily and often contain higher levels of active ingredients than creams.
Lopez has promoted That JLo Glow serum and has said it visibly tightens and brightens her skin.
Still, serum should be framed as support for hydration, tone, texture, and barrier care rather than a miracle step.
Useful serum ingredients include targeted actives with different roles:
Retinoids for texture and skin renewal.
Vitamin C for brightness and antioxidant support.
Hydroxy acids for smoother-looking skin.
Niacinamides for tone and barrier support.
Ceramides for moisture retention.
Peptides for firmness support.
Supplements
Supplements can support a beauty routine, but they should not replace food.
Lopez has described beauty as starting inside the body, and her That Inner Love supplement includes olive extract, vitamin E, manganese, and copper to support collagen production.
A balanced diet should still carry most daily nutrition.
Vitamins C, E, and K may benefit skin, but whole foods, protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and water create the stronger base.
Supplement plans should be personal and guided by a qualified medical professional.
Examples often discussed after 50 include calcium and vitamin D3 for bone density, collagen peptides for skin elasticity, and Coenzyme Q10 for cellular energy.
Sano – Living Well
Sano means living a healthy life. In Lopez’s routine, it connects beauty with no alcohol, no smoking, healthy meals, regular workouts, and lots of water.
That part of the 5S framework matters because it keeps skincare connected to daily behavior.
Her look is not framed as a mystery. It is tied to repetition, discipline, and habits that protect the body over time.
Mindset, Discipline, and Lifestyle Balance
Lopez’s routine works because it is organized. Beauty, fitness, nutrition, and recovery are not treated as separate goals.
They are part of the same daily structure.
Her day often begins around 6:00 AM, especially during travel or busy periods with her kids.
Mornings have been described as including affirmations, gratitude, and prayer before work or workouts.
Mental wellness matters because stress can affect sleep, skin, energy, and consistency. Confidence, emotional balance, resilience, and a positive outlook can all shape how someone looks and feels.
Discipline is a clear part of Lopez’s routine, but balance matters too. She trains hard, listens to her body, protects family time, and works without treating wellness as optional.
Most people do not have her schedule or access to the same support. Still, her core habits are realistic in scaled-down ways.
For some readers, a scaled-down wellness routine may also include recovery practices outside the gym. Heat-based relaxation is one example, and resources on infrared sauna facts can offer extra context for those comparing recovery, relaxation, and skin-support habits.
Sleep consistently, wear sunscreen, move often, drink water, eat nutrient-dense meals, manage stress, and repeat those choices often enough for them to matter.
Fitness Habits After 50
Regular movement supports strength, stamina, confidence, and overall vitality after 50
Fitness is one of the most visible parts of Lopez’s routine. She reportedly works out 4 to 5 times per week, usually for 60 to 75 minutes.
Her training is structured and performance-focused. Sessions are built to support strength, stamina, agility, dance ability, and stage readiness.
Trainers including Tracy Anderson and David Kirsch have helped tailor her workouts for those goals.
A sample weekly structure shows how varied the routine can be:
Day
Workout Focus
Monday
Full-body strength plus core
Tuesday
Dance cardio plus plyometrics
Wednesday
Upper body plus targeted abs
Thursday
Light activity or yoga
Friday
Lower body plus functional movement
Saturday
Optional dance or HIIT
Sunday
Active recovery or rest
Strength training supports full-body tone, core strength, and glute work.
Dance-based cardio fits her performer background and keeps conditioning connected to movement quality.
High-intensity intervals and functional exercises build power and stamina. Yoga or stretching creates space for mobility and recovery.
Sunscreen and Skincare Habits
Lopez’s skincare approach is built on prevention. Waiting for visible damage and then trying to correct it is less effective than protecting skin every morning.
Sun defense is central because UV exposure contributes to wrinkles, dark spots, and elasticity loss. A strong morning routine can also protect against pollution, dryness, and barrier stress.
A practical skincare structure can include four daily steps:
Cleansing twice daily to remove sweat, oil, sunscreen, makeup, and impurities.
Active treatment once daily to support repair, tone, or texture goals.
Barrier protection twice daily to help retain moisture.
Sun defense every morning to reduce UV-related aging.
Environmental stressors call for specific protection. Ultraviolet radiation can contribute to collagen breakdown, so broad-spectrum SPF 50 or above is useful.
Airborne pollutants can trigger inflammation, so antioxidant serums can help. Blue light exposure may contribute to pigmentation concerns, while barrier repair creams can support skin defense.
Makeup should enhance healthy skin rather than cover it completely. A skin-protective approach favors active hydration, breathable coverage, barrier care, and a radiant natural finish.
Daily sunscreen use is important even indoors or on cloudy days. Use two to three finger lengths for the face, back of ears, and neck.
Spread it evenly outward after placing it near the center of the face.
Sleep Habits and Recovery-Based Beauty
Sleep needs its own place in the routine because it affects skin, hormones, energy, training recovery, and stress.
For someone who trains, performs, travels, and manages business demands, rest is not optional maintenance.
During sleep, the body repairs cells, forms new cells, regulates hormones, supports immune function, and restores organs.
Those processes matter for skin glow, collagen support, inflammation control, and healthier aging.
Sleep stages also play different roles in beauty and recovery:
Light sleep begins muscle relaxation and can reduce facial tension.
Slow-wave sleep supports cellular regeneration and a more radiant complexion.
REM sleep supports cognitive restoration and may reduce stress-related dullness.
Lopez’s reported sleep goal sits around eight hours, with some routine summaries placing it at 8 to 10 hours.
That amount supports muscle recovery, energy, mood, and glowing skin.
Her evening routine has been described as starting around 8:30 PM and ending around 10:00 PM.
It can include family time, reading bedtime stories with her kids, relaxation, reflection or meditation, and preparation for the next day.
Nutrition and Hydration
Nutrition is central to Lopez’s routine because skin and energy depend on daily fuel. A radiant complexion is supported by fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, antioxidants, protein, and water.
Several nutrients are especially useful for skin health:
Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis and is found in citrus fruits.
Vitamin E offers antioxidant protection and is found in almonds.
Omega-3 fatty acids support the skin barrier and are found in salmon.
Beta-carotene supports cellular regeneration and is found in sweet potatoes.
Lopez’s breakfast is often described as a protein shake or smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, protein powder, lemon, and ice.
Another option is egg whites with vegetables for protein and vitamins.
Hydration also has a clear place in her day. She reportedly aims for at least seven glasses of water daily and starts the morning with lemon water to support digestion.
Her eating pattern is often described as clean and steady.
She reportedly avoids processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, while focusing on water and herbal drinks. She also does not smoke.
Closing Thoughts
Jennifer Lopez’s beauty routine after 50 is built on simple habits that require consistency.
She reportedly aims for 8 to 10 hours of sleep when possible, wears sunscreen daily, trains 4 to 5 times weekly for 60 to 75 minutes, drinks at least seven glasses of water daily, avoids smoking, and does not drink alcohol.
Lopez’s ageless look is less about one secret and more about a disciplined system.
Prevention, recovery, movement, hydration, clean nutrition, sun protection, and healthy living shape the result.
