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Every year I intend to put a “Top Ten” list together and never seem to make it happen. This year I thought I’d make an effort. Here’s a list of my favourite music released this year, in alphabetical order by artist:

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Arch/Matheos – Sympathetic Resonance

This is some of the most creative vocal melodies and drumming I’ve ever heard on a heavy progressive recording. The album is most definitely a highlight of 2011.

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Bill Bailey – In Metal

I’m a big fan of Bill’s acting and it was only this year that I explored his music. His most recent album is a perfect example of just how funny he can be.

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The Deep MO – Funk in the 3rd Quarter

I first heard Yolanda Charles play with Phil Gould (Level 42) and I’ve been following her music ever since. This is Yolanda’s debut album, made up of very solid funk tunes with her on bass and lead vocals. I get a lot out of Miles Bould’s drumming on this one as well.

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Hidden Orchestra – Flight EP

I discovered Hidden Orchestra earlier this year and very much enjoy their debut release, “Night Walks”. This EP has proven again that they’re artists to respect and follow.

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Nerve – The Distance Between Zero and One

This is proper, high quality electronic music played completely live. If I was forced to choose a #1 album for 2011, this would unquestionably be my choice.

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Opeth – Heritage

Opeth does it again, this time without grunt vocals and a considerably different production approach than any of their previous releases.

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Pagan’s Mind – Heavenly Ecstasy

As Pagan’s Mind matures, I like them more with each album.

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Textures – Dualism

I will always consider this album to be one of my all time favourites.

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Trillium – Alloy

When Simone Simons was ill and couldn’t do Epica’s North American tour for 2007′s “The Divine Conspiracy”, Amanda Somerville took her place. I managed to catch one of the gigs from that tour and was very impressed. Although I like Amanda’s previous solo albums, I’d always hoped she’d do a proper heavy album. “Alloy” did not disappoint me at all.

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Steven Wilson – Grace For Drowning

Of all of the 2011 top ten lists I’ve read, this album shows up more than any other. I am in no way surprised.

I agree with reviews I’ve read that say this year’s Jewbelation anniversary ale is the best yet.

Shmaltz Brewing from Saratoga Springs, NY has brewed the Jewbelation annually beginning with their eighth year. It contained eight different hops, eight different malts, and an ABV at 8%. We’re up to fifteen now and I’m impressed with just how mellow this ale has become.

Although there are fifteen of each, the malts really dominate the hops here. With the 15% ABV, I expected a big alcohol presence and I did get a little alcohol bite in the nose initially. But once I tasted it, it was all about the smooth maltiness.

I found a bomber at my local shop for just $5.99. It’s a proper, affordable seasonal that all malt lovers should try.