Student Spotlight: Justin Miramontes

Justin Miramontes has a passion for shredding guitar riffs and fronting a metal band that’s making waves in San Fernando, Long Beach, and Bellflower. The band recently played a local show, giving him a taste of the stage life he hopes to chase after high school. For him, heavy metal is “a way of life” and “a great way to blow off steam.” Miramontes expressed, “I love it because it’s not about how good you are, it’s how fast you can play.” His love for music began at home in Norwalk and Bellflower. His inspiration came from his mom who played Nirvana around the house when he was younger. During the pandemic, he picked up his brother’s unused guitar, teaching himself by replicating songs. He joined his band after hearing them live and responding to their call for a guitarist. Since then, he’s also embraced writing songs, bringing his ideas to bandmates. Miramontes has also expressed, “When I have a guitar in my hand, I’m always learning something new.” Miramontes’ biggest influences include Metallica, Invocation of Nehek, and especially Dimebag Darrell of Pantera. “Dimebag just changed everything,” he mentioned. “He made a groove in metal, something powerful, not just background noise.” Performing live gave him a rush he’ll never forget. “I was just cheesing looking at people trying my best… after the show when people come up to you saying good job, it’s just an overall dopamine high.” His favorite concert so far was The Offspring, and his favorite song is “The Kids Aren’t Right.” With graduation near, Miramontes dreams of a future on tour or even playing at SoFi Stadium. But if music doesn’t pan out, he has another passion close to his heart. He would love to be a history teacher. For now, he’s focused on school and band commitments while preparing for whatever comes next. Local fans who’ve seen his performances know this is just the beginning.