ALBUM REVIEW: Billy Nomates – Metalhorse

Invada Records

Released 16.05.25

It’s been a minute since Billy Nomates, aka Victoria ‘Tor’ Maries, became a target for armchair arseholes during her solo Glastonbury performance. That’s just one of the things that has changed for Metalhorse; the third BNM album is the first to feature a full performing band. More striking is how the spiky post-punk of previous releases has been streamlined, polished into a more country and pop-tinged sound.

Instead of losing its power though, Metalhorse takes its chance to showcase Maries’ musicality and ear for a lyrical refrain. It’s a warmer, more careworn piece than 2023’s Cacti, but it feels more like an evolution than a compromise. The guitar shimmers, the piano chimes, and Maries’ voice soars in the exact middle of it all.