by Mike Portnoy recently shared his favorite music picks for 2025, posting an extensive list on Instagram that showcases the diverse range of artists that have caught his attention this year.
The Dream Theater co-founder’s post highlighted his musical discoveries and preferences for the year. He noted that his official year-end roundup is still months away.
“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 comprehensive list includes a wide variety of artists spanning different genres and styles. Among the featured acts 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 endorsement carries significant weight in the progressive metal community. This is particularly true given his influential career spanning multiple decades and bands.
Sleep Token has emerged as one of the most talked-about acts in recent years among the artists featured on his list. Loudwire reported that Portnoy previously called their album Take Me Back to Eden “Insane! Completely genre-bending.” He praised its blend of influences including Tool, Deftones, Opeth, and Leprous, and even named it an early contender for Album of the Year.
“Insane! Completely genre-bending,” Portnoy said about Sleep Token’s work, highlighting the band’s unique approach to progressive metal.
The inclusion of Sleep Token on his 2025 favorites list comes at a pivotal time for the band. Louder Sound noted that Sleep Token is set to headline the UK’s Download Festival in June 2025, sharing the stage with Korn and Green Day. This marks a major milestone for both the band and the prog metal scene overall.
Meanwhile, Portnoy’s own musical journey continues to evolve. Metal Injection revealed that Dream Theater is set to begin work on their new album with Portnoy. This development further boosts excitement around his return to the band he co-founded. This development adds extra significance to his current musical recommendations as fans eagerly anticipate what influences might shape the band’s upcoming material.
The post gives fans insight into Portnoy’s current musical tastes while building anticipation for his complete year-end assessment.
