So hard to pick 10 but here goes…
10. EUREKA MACHINES – Champion the Underdog
The Eureka Machines tread that awkward line of being too heavy for the mainstream but too pop for the alternative world. With their second album following on from their debut, packed with bouncy pop rock punk anthems but with a little extra shine (courtesy of Wolfsbane’s Jase Edwards production) they really should get more attention.
9. MEGADETH – Th1rt3en
Megadeth are putting out the best recorded material of any of the Big 4 at the moment. This years effort was splendid to these ears, long live MegaDave.
8. DEVILDRIVER ‘Beast’
Dez Fafara’s men are some of the hardest working on the tour circuit where they excel at putting on a great show. To compliment this, their records are also improving at a steady rate. The fast and punky attitude displayed on ‘Beast’ shows the band at their slickest yet and adds more fuel to the relentless live show.
7. BLACK SPIDERS – Sons of the North
I first came across the Black Spiders a couple of years ago supporting The Wildhearts where they put on a decent show. Since then they’ve really just been getting better and better. With a debut album under their belts there should be no stopping them.
6. TRIVIUM – In Waves
After exploding onto the metal scene well over five years ago now, Trivium have seen a backlash that would make the toughest of bands wonder why they are bothering since then. They seem to have finally found a sound for themselves on ‘In Waves’.
5. MASTODON – The Hunter
Mastodon returned with a much more straightforward approach on ‘The Hunter’. Much easier to digest than their last album.
4. KARMA TO BURN ‘V’
Karma to Burn’s second album since their reformation saw them capturing the sound of their classic albums with ease. This riff-fest of an album has never been far away from the turntable since its release in April.
Karma to Burn would also get my vote for best gig of the year. Playing alongside the Black Spiders and Gentlemans Pistols at Leeds Cockpit back in August 
3. MACHINE HEAD – Unto the Locust
Well they didn’t better or even match ‘The Blackening’ did they? Still came up with a great record though!
2. GENTLEMANS PISTOLS – At Her Majesty’s Pleasure
I discovered this band completely by accident when I went to see Terrorvision earlier this year at Rock City. These men were supporting and I became instantly hooked. There is a definite 70’s rock influence going on here but with enough punch to let you know that this is a band that is here and now.
1. EVILE – Five Serpents Teeth
I would have never of dreamed that my top album of 2011 would be from Evile! Obviously it is though, and I’ve been hooked on it since I first got my hands on it. Evile have rapidly gone from one of those bands I take a casual interest in to one of my favourites with this album.
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