When you love what you do, it shows in the energy you bring — and for the members of LTK, that energy is heavy, loud, and unapologetically real. The Filipino rock, metal, and punk band based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, may have started on a whim, but they’ve built something that resonates deeply with anyone who loves music that hits hard.
Building a band from scratch
“It all started on a boring day when I thought, ‘Let’s build something we actually want to do together,’” recalled guitarist and second vocalist Hancel. “We knew some basic guitar chords, so we just said, ‘Let’s start a band.’” With no big plan and purely an impulse to play, LTK came to life.
The group — made up of Paul (vocals/guitar), Hancel (guitar/second vocals), Hulio (lead guitar), Shan (bass), and Jan (drums) — has since forged its own sound. Originally called “License to Kill,” inspired by the Beastie Boys album Licensed to Ill, the name was later shortened to LTK. “Now that we’re older and more chill, we shortened it — it can mean anything,” said Hancel.
Finding their own sound
LTK’s music is rooted in rock, but their approach is all about freedom. “Whenever we write a song, if it sounds like rock, we roll with it,” explained Hancel. “As for our lyrics — it’s all about how you connect with them. They can mean something different to everyone.”
The band members bring their own influences from punk, metal, hardcore, and other genres. “We mash it all together without overthinking. If the drums bang and the guitar strings scream, we’re happy,” said Hancel. That mix has created a sound that’s raw, relatable, and distinctly theirs.
From DIY dreams to debut album
In 2025, LTK completed their first independently produced album, Sharp Sounds from the Archipelago. “Paul already had a bunch of songs, and we all decided to release them as a full-length album,” said Hancel. “Everything was done DIY — something we know hasn’t been done by Filipino bands here in Riyadh.”
The album’s title reflects their roots and their edge. “We wanted it to represent the best island in the world — the Philippines. We all come from different parts of the country, and we play rock music with an edgy vibe, so the name just felt right.”
Their single “Hate” is set to drop with a music video this September, ahead of the album launch in October. “We’ll keep making original music,” promised Hancel. “So watch out — we’re just getting started.”
Stream their music here.
