Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy recently shared his comprehensive year-end review for 2025, revealing his favorite albums and films while also paying tribute to notable figures who passed away this year. The drummer posted his annual list on Instagram.
Portnoy’s statement covered his top picks across multiple categories for the year.
“2025 Mike Portnoy Year in Review. MP’s Fav Albums Of 2025: (In no particular order) Igorrr’s ‘Amen,’ Official Cardiacs’ ‘LSD,’ Sloan’s ‘Based on the Best Seller,’ Moron Police’s ‘Pachinko,’ Steven Wilson’s ‘The Overview,’ Biffy Clyro’s ‘Futique,’ Cosmic Cathedral’s ‘Deep Water,’ Spock’s Beard’s ‘The Archaeoptimist,’ Tallah’s ‘Primeval: Obsession // Detachment,’ Imperial Triumphant’s ‘Goldstar,'” he said.
The drummer also shared his favorite films from the year.
“MP’s Fav Films Of 2025: (In no particular order) ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Eddington,’ ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Weapons,’ ‘Sinners,’ ‘The Life Of Chuck,’ ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,’ ‘The Monkey,’ ‘Bring Her Back,’ ‘Companion,'” Portnoy continued.
The post concluded with a memorial section honoring those who died in 2025.
“And finally, a tribute to some of the people we sadly lost this year… MP’s 2025 RIP Section: Ozzy Osbourne, Ace Frehley, David Lynch, Rob Reiner, Brian Wilson, John Sykes, Brent Hinds, Les Binks, Gene Hackman, Val Kilmer, Michael Madsen, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, George Foreman,” he said.
Portnoy’s annual list comes during a significant year for the drummer. He has been actively involved in multiple musical projects and witnessed major developments in the progressive metal scene.
Chaoszine reported that Dream Theater’s 2025 album “Parasomnia,” featuring Portnoy’s reunion with the band after his 2010 departure, topped their best rock and metal albums list. The publication noted that Dream Theater’s reunion with their original drummer is the best thing that has happened to the band since his departure.
Portnoy’s extensive musical career extends beyond Dream Theater. He has been instrumental in forming several influential projects. Classical Music documented that he co-founded the instrumental prog-metal supergroup Liquid Tension Experiment in 1997. He brought Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci into the project alongside other notable musicians.
The drummer’s influence on the progressive metal genre has been widely recognized throughout his career. His work with Dream Theater helped establish the band as one of the leading forces in progressive metal. His departure in 2010 marked a significant turning point for the group.
Portnoy’s involvement with other bands has also been notable, including his temporary role with Avenged Sevenfold following the death of their drummer. Wikipedia noted that despite the tragedy, Avenged Sevenfold continued with Portnoy’s help. The band successfully released and toured in support of their fifth album.
