Morphine Kings performs at the Nalu Music Fest in Baler, Aurora.
Photo by: Kimmy Baraoidan

Batangas City-based hardcore band Morphine Kings brought the house down during the Nalu Music Fest last May 1 to 3, 2015. The group is composed of K.I. Lamarga on vocals, Aaron Perez on guitar, Japheth Laylo on bass, and Christian De Guzman on drums. In the summer of 2012, believe it or not, their first meeting was in a cemetery. They were hanging out by the tomb of their guitarist’s father, and there they thought of forming a project band. The members come from different genres – Aaron from a hardcore band, Japheth from a reggae band, Christian from a rock and roll band, and K.I. from a hip-hop group. The band is influenced by various local and foreign artists like Francis M., Erectus, Gloc-9, Beastie Boys, Bob Marley, and Sepultura, to name a few. These influences come together in their music.

Vocalist K.I. Lamarga sings alongside guitarist Aaron Perez at the Nalu Music Fest in Baler, Aurora.
Photo by: Chris Quintana

Morphine Kings performs during the Nalu Music Fest in Baler, Aurora. Photo by: Chris Quintana