Renowned drummer Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater has revealed his top 10 albums of 2024, along with the standout TV shows and films that captured his attention this year. This annual tradition has become a highly anticipated event for fans, as Portnoy, known for his deep appreciation of music and cinematic arts, provides a retrospective look at the year’s highlights in entertainment. His insights not only reflect his personal taste but also guide fans in discovering new and noteworthy content.

As a prominent figure in the metal community, Portnoy’s selections are particularly significant, showcasing his expertise as a dedicated consumer of both music and film. Each year, his lists serve as a valuable resource for fans eager to explore the best offerings in progressive rock, metal, and beyond, setting the stage for the upcoming year’s musical landscape.

IMPORTANT: Portnoy emphasizes that the items he shares are in “no particular order,” suggesting that each entry is a top contender in its own right, allowing fans to appreciate a diverse range of musical artistry and creativity for 2024!

Discover Mike Portnoy’s Top 10 Albums of 2024

True to form, the list features a strong presence of progressive rock and metal, spotlighting both long-time favorites and close friends within the music industry. Portnoy’s eclectic taste ensures a blend of established acts and innovative newcomers, making his recommendations a treasure trove for fans of the genre looking to dive deeper into the rich sounds of 2024.

• Opeth, The Last Will and Testament
• Blood Incantation, Absolute Elsewhere
• The Lemon Twigs, A Dream Is All We Know
• Redd Kross, Redd Kross
• Leprous, Melodies of Atonement
• Frost, Life in the Wires
• Neal Morse & The Resonance, No Hill For a Climber
• Category 7, Category 7
• Kerry King, From Hell I Rise
• The Warning, Keep Me Fed

In a previous post from October, Portnoy expressed his admiration for Blood Incantation’s album Absolute Elsewhere, praising its masterful blend of death metal intensity and ’70s progressive rock elegance. He described it as a captivating journey where “the brutality of Opeth meets the beauty of Pink Floyd… all within one epic prog metal album featuring two 20-minute epics!” His enthusiasm for the album solidifies its place as a strong contender for his coveted title of Album of the Year.

Moreover, Portnoy’s involvement in The Prog Report’s “Wheel of Prog” video series last year, where he helped rank Opeth’s discography, makes the inclusion of The Last Will and Testament in his top ten entirely expected. His expertise and passion for progressive music resonate throughout his selections.

Additionally, Portnoy highlighted Knower Forever, a 2023 release by the electro-dance duo Knower, as an “honorable mention.” He noted that he discovered this gem only recently and it quickly became one of his absolute favorites. Keeping up with the vast array of new music can be a daunting task, and Portnoy’s experience is a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of music discovery.

READ MORE: 11 Best Progressive Metal Albums of 2004

Explore Mike Portnoy’s Favorite Movies of 2024

Check out Portnoy’s favorite films of 2024, and for a comprehensive list of every movie he enjoyed this year, make sure to visit his Letterbox profile. His cinematic tastes reflect a diverse array of genres and storytelling styles that have resonated with him throughout the year.

• Anora
• Strange Darling
• The Substance
• Here
• MaXXXine
• Longlegs
• Late Night With The Devil
• Saturday Night
• Joker: Folie à Deux (yes, really!)
• Love Lies Bleeding

Uncover Mike Portnoy’s Top TV Show Picks of 2024

In addition to his musical and cinematic preferences, Portnoy also shares his favorite television shows from 2024, a year that marked the farewell of the beloved series Curb Your Enthusiasm. His selections highlight the diversity and quality of contemporary television.

• Disclaimer
• Curb Your Enthusiasm S12 (RIP)
• Fargo S5
• The Penguin
• Presumed Innocent
• Baby Reindeer
• The Curse
• Squid Game S2
• Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story

For more details, check out the full post, which includes heartfelt tributes to influential figures we lost this year, alongside a touching mention of Portnoy’s cherished dog, Mickey. His reflections serve not only as entertainment recommendations but also as a meaningful acknowledgment of the connections formed through art.

To explore Portnoy’s annual retrospectives dating back to 2001, be sure to visit the official Mike Portnoy website, where you can find a wealth of information about his music journey and insights.

Anticipate Big Moments for Dream Theater in 2025

The upcoming year promises to be monumental for both Portnoy and Dream Theater. The band continues its 40th anniversary tour, which began earlier this year, marking Portnoy’s first tour with them since 2010. Additionally, they are set to release their 16th studio album, Parasomnia, on February 7, 2025, adding to the excitement surrounding their legacy.

So far, fans have gotten a taste of the new album with the release of two tracks: “Night Terror” and “A Broken Man.” These songs showcase the band’s evolution while staying true to their progressive roots, and anticipation is building for the complete album.

The North American leg of the tour, styled as an “evening with” experience, is set to kick off on the same day as the album release and will conclude on March 22. Fans are encouraged to check the tour dates to ensure they don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see Dream Theater live!