To most, senior Itzel Nunez appears reserved, almost shy. But beneath her quiet exterior lies a fierce passion that defies expectations—Itzel is a dedicated metalhead, with a love for music that surprises anyone who takes a closer look.
At first glance, no one would guess that Nunez throws down at heavy metal concerts surrounded by middle-aged men. Her soft-spoken demeanor masks her hardcore personality. She has attended a multitude of rock and metal concerts, from Korn to Foo Fighters, as well as various screamo shows. Her all-time favorite band—whom she hopes to see live—is Pierce the Veil. Her love for the genre began with The Beatles and expanded through the influence of her metal-loving friends, though her family isn’t as fond of the music.
Not many people would expect her taste in music to be so heavy, but to her, listening to metal is as soothing as a lullaby.
“I think that music [heavy metal], really for me, was very comforting,” Nunez said.
Nothing relaxes her more than a playlist full of growling vocals and electric guitar riffs. In her free time, she explores different subgenres, always searching for her next favorite band. She also spends a lot of time at home listening to music and planning concert trips—her next one is in November.
“This band called Underøath. They’re like a screamo band. It’s like screaming and, I guess, metal too,” Nunez said.
While she describes herself as more of an introvert, especially on weekends, music has always been her greatest outlet. Growing up, she taught herself different instruments and learned how to read music, considering it one of the many languages she speaks.
“I play piano and guitar—piano since I was seven, and I started guitar a couple years ago.”
Her piano teacher, whom she has known for years, has long recognized her passion for music. Even when playing classical pieces like Mozart, Nunez loses herself in the melodies, completely immersed in the music. She also enjoys learning songs from her favorite bands, from Pierce the Veil to Queen. One of her proudest achievements was mastering the iconic solo from “Bohemian Rhapsody” on both guitar and piano.
One of her favorite songs, “Killpop” by Slipknot, carries a deeper meaning than its aggressive sound might suggest. Nunez appreciates how, behind the heavy production, the lyrics explore emotional struggles.
“I like music because everybody can interpret it in their own way, which is kind of why I like it too,” she said.
She believes that a song does not have to be slow and acoustic to be meaningful. Despite her mother’s dismissive take on heavy metal as “satanic music,” Nunez values the genre’s emotional depth.
“Because you don’t really know exactly what it means. Some things might not make sense, but they can still be very powerful and have a deep meaning. And I think that song was one of those for me.”
At one point, she even considered starting a band with her friends, but the idea fizzled out after a few days. Still, she continues to dream of making music.
Beyond her love for music, Nunez has also studied abroad in France. Her passion for French language and culture led her to travel across the world during her sophomore year. As the only sophomore in a group of upperclassmen, she initially felt out of place, but her host family’s kindness helped her fully enjoy the experience. The trip proved to be life-changing, allowing her to discover more about herself and her interests.
“I loved learning about the culture, the French culture, and all the food and places. I really liked that,” Nunez said.
However, her journey has not always been easy. She spoke about going through a depressive period that led her mother to send her to therapy. While she still has bad days, she appreciates the conversations she’s had with her therapist, which have helped her gain a better sense of self.
“I’m kind of like the outcast because everybody’s into other genres,” she said.
Outside of school, Nunez does not go out often, but when she does, she enjoys exploring the city, visiting restaurants, hanging out at friends’ houses, and even walking through cemeteries to read tombstones. She has a strong creative side beyond music – photography. She owns three cameras: her mother’s professional camera, an old digital camera, and a camcorder. She loves capturing moments and taking portraits of friends and family, though she prefers staying behind the camera rather than in front of it.
Her fashion sense is just as unique as her music taste. She wears band tees, dark colors, and studded belts, avoiding bright colors like the plague. Her arms are covered in bracelets and cuffs, and her ears are adorned with piercings – many of which she did herself. She takes inspiration from bands like Tokio Hotel and fashion trends on Pinterest.
“Although we are polar opposites, she has opened me up to so many new things, and I love her just the way she is. Her style and energy are what make her Itzel,” senior Deisy Najera said.
Whether sitting in a WCCHS classroom or rocking out at a Korn concert, Itzel Nunez never fails to surprise those around her. Beneath her quiet, reserved exterior lies one of WEGO’s most musically gifted and intriguing students.
“A lot of people think she’s quiet, but when it’s just me and her, we’re laughing the whole time. I think that’s something really special,” senior Alexia Guerrero said.
