What an incredible 2025 it’s been in the world of prog. This year, we’ve taken a different approach to our Critics’ Choice and instead of printing our writers’ Top 20 lists, we’ve pooled them to create a definitive Top 50 with profile pieces on some of the key players. Did your favourite make the cut? We look forward to reading your thoughts on the results.

Movie magic I watched A Day to Remember after reading John Bird’s column [Issue 1697, 15-26 December]. Please say thank you to him. The movie had a depth and poignancy that I would have missed if he h

The unconventional instrumentation favoured by Tortoise is an indicator of how many different lineups have always jostled for space under the jazz umbrella. The national treasure that is The Pete Alle

YOU CAN LOOK at Dave Mustaine’s career in two ways: as a revenge tour or as a story of perpetual redemption. If Mustaine’s life, which is earmarked by iconic records like 1986’s Peace Sells… But Who’s

QUEEN PRODUCTIONS/PRESS Freddie Mercury Mr Bad Guy UNIVERSAL ...

This month sees the tenth anniversary of David Bowie’s death. One of the most influential and pioneering musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. This intelligent, articulate, witty, endearingly ecce