December | 2025 | Progwinds – Prog and rock news, reviews and more!

Getting close to the end of the year and I only have 19 days to finalise the top 15 Prog albums of 2025 for the ProgWinds website!

That said, I have set myself a new target – I will publish the list before PROG Magazine comes out!

I’m not going in competition (honest injun Jerry) I remember the days when I was responsible for the local NHS magazine and the copy and pics for the March edition had to be to the printers before the February edition came out! I’m just trying to silence the naysayers that think we all wait for the ‘popular’ choices!

PROG comes out on 29 December so my “Top 15 PROG albums of 2025” will be published no later than 28 December! (Save the Date) If my maths serves me right that means I now have 15 days! That was a quick 4 days!!

In the meantime Prog On

Johnny XX

Nektar was formed in Hamburg in 1969 and is well known for iconic progressive rock albums such as A Tab in the Ocean, Remember The Future and Recycled. After four decades of successful albums and tours, the band reformed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nektar’s formation.

The tour was recorded and released under the name Fortyfied. This live album was only briefly available on Roye Albrighton’s own label but has been unavailable for over 15 years. This is the first mainstream release of the recordings.

This re-mastered 2CD set features a line-up of Roye Albrighton, Ron Howden, Peter Pichl and Klaus Henatsch. This remastered re-release is endorsed by the relevant line-up of Nektar including the estate of Roye Albrighton.

The album is out now and expect a review on this page very shortly!

Amazon 2CD set: https://geni.us/40fied

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/fortyfied-live-live-2025-remaster/1852092120

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0Az7PuTffnB74lFANToqSE

Also available via Cherry Red’s website: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/label/explore-rights-management/nektar-fortyfied-cd-edition