Mike Portnoy Shares His Favorite Music Picks for 2025

Mike Portnoy recently revealed his favorite music picks for 2025 in a detailed Instagram post, presenting a wide-ranging list of artists who have captured his interest this year.

The Dream Theater co-founder highlighted his discoveries and current preferences, while reminding fans that his full year-end roundup is still ahead. “Still a few months away from my Year-End Roundup, but here’s how 2025 has been shaping up…some amazing stuff so far!!” Portnoy wrote. “I obviously don’t have DT’s Parasomnia or our upcoming Live in Paris release on here, but hope they make YOUR Best Of 2025 lists!”

The list showcases artists across multiple genres and styles. Among the names featured are Beat, Benthos, Between the Buried and Me, Biffy Clyro, Car Bomb, Cardiacs, Lamb of God, Imperial Triumphant, Igorrr, Deftones, Cosmic Cathedral, Charlie Griffiths, Orthodox, Sleep Token, Sloan, Spinal Tap, Steven Wilson, and Tallah.

Portnoy’s recommendations carry strong influence in the progressive metal world, thanks to his decades-long career and enduring impact across several projects.

One of the most notable inclusions is Sleep Token, a band that has become one of the most talked-about acts in recent years. Loudwire previously reported that Portnoy described their album Take Me Back to Eden as “Insane! Completely genre-bending.” He praised its mix of influences such as Tool, Deftones, Opeth, and Leprous, even calling it an early contender for Album of the Year.

“Insane! Completely genre-bending,” Portnoy said, emphasizing the band’s distinctive contribution to modern prog metal. Their spot on his 2025 favorites list comes as they prepare to headline the UK’s Download Festival in June alongside Korn and Green Day—a major milestone for both the band and the genre at large, according to Louder Sound.

Meanwhile, Portnoy himself continues to shape the scene. As reported by Metal Injection, Dream Theater is gearing up to start work on a new album with him back in the lineup. His return adds extra anticipation to both the band’s future output and the broader context of his personal music recommendations.

Overall, his post not only offers a snapshot of his current musical tastes but also builds excitement for the full year-end summary still to come.