Ex-Tangerine Dreamer returns with evolution of his emotional ‘guitartronica’.

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

Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery embraced his more electronic side this year with Bioscope, his soundscape project with Tangerine Dream’s Thorsten Quaeschning. But he’s not ditching the day job: work is well underway on Marillion’s next studio album, and there’s his long-awaited collaboration with a certain Mr Hackett still to come.

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.

At a time when progressive rock labels seem to be closing faster than they are opening, this indie is going from strength to strength. Owners Mark and Rayna Monforti take a moment to draw breath and reflect on their 2025 successes.

Featuring the return of drummer Mike Portnoy, the 71-minute epic explores belonging, faith and renewal.