Origins, Identity and First Steps (1998 – 2013)
María Ignacia Fernández Salas, born in Santiago, Chile in 1998, is a multifaceted figure whose professional career is characterized by a remarkable duality. At 27 years old at the time of her coronation in November 2025, Fernández Salas has forged a successful career in both modeling and the extreme metal scene.
Her foray into the world of fashion and runways began in 2013, building on a decade of modeling experience before venturing into metal. This ability to move seamlessly between traditional glamour and the aggressive aesthetic of metal is a fundamental pillar of her media success. Fernández Salas’s skill in managing such contrasting aesthetic identities simultaneously demonstrates a disciplined and versatile personality, which has allowed her to break barriers in broadcast television.
The Unexpected Roar and the Battle Against the Stereotype
In November 2025, the entertainment world and the extreme metal scene were surprised by unprecedented news: Ignacia Fernández, vocalist of a progressive death metal band, was crowned Miss World Chile 2025. This event transcended the realm of a simple beauty pageant, transforming into a cultural phenomenon that validated the authenticity and technical discipline of metal in an unexpected setting.
Fernández’s victory was not only attributed to her charisma and beauty, but also to the unique talent she displayed, catapulting her to international fame. In the final, broadcast by Chilevisión, Ignacia Fernández, representing Las Condes, defeated Bárbara Wolfenson from Viña del Mar. In addition to the crown, she received an exclusive diamond ring valued at over 12 million Chilean pesos.
For fans of rock and heavy metal, Ignacia Fernández’s story transcends mere sensationalism. It’s essential to highlight the legitimate and rigorous career of an extreme artist who has defied the prejudices that separate model from metalhead. Fernández has publicly stated that metal is “a refuge, a source of strength and purpose,” and her professional philosophy is clear: music is “her work, her life.” Her success in the competition is definitive proof that “being a model doesn’t make me any less of a metalhead.” This report seeks to document this dual timeline with the investigative rigor that her extreme art deserves.
The Metal Heart: The Formation of Decessus and Extreme Vocal Discipline (2020 – 2024)
Ignacia Fernández’s passion for extreme music led her to co-found Decessus in 2020, a Chilean band specializing in the subgenres of progressive death metal and metalcore. The group seeks to fuse diverse influences, describing their process as “putting all their tastes in a blender and seeing what comes out.” Among their main musical influences are bands like Jinjer, Gojira, and Arch Enemy.
The name “Decessus”, of Latin origin, translates as “departure” or “death”, which aligns with the lyrical themes of death metal.
Decessus is comprised of Chilean musicians: Ignacia Fernández is the vocalist, alternating between clean and guttural vocals. She is accompanied by Carlos Palma Morán on guitar (who is also a member of All Tomorrows), Martín Fenix on drums, and Jaime Pepe on bass.
Vocal Training and Health
A key aspect of Ignacia Fernández’s career, which grants her undeniable credibility within the metal subculture, is the seriousness with which she approaches her vocal technique. Often, the general public misinterprets guttural vocals, a central element of death metal, as simply an uncontrolled “scream.” However, Fernández employs a precise guttural technique, emitted from deep within her throat.
Far from improvisation, Fernández has rigorously dedicated himself to mastering this art. He studied vocal technique with great focus for “more than two years.” This dedication to technique, which he professionalized after forming the band in 2020, demonstrates his long-term commitment to extreme metal, making it clear that music is not a passing phase, but a vocation that demands longevity and vocal health.
To ensure the durability and health of her vocal instrument, Fernández works constantly with medical professionals, including an ENT specialist and a speech therapist, who assist her in maintaining her voice in optimal condition. Her daily vocal preparation is exhaustive, with warm-ups throughout the day and a 15- to 30-minute exercise routine before each performance. This level of discipline not only dispels any prejudice about the lack of artistry in guttural vocals but also establishes her professionalism within the progressive death metal niche.
Decessus Milestones: The International Route and the Underground Prestige (2024)
Before their media explosion in the beauty pageant, Decessus had already achieved significant consolidation within the metal scene, both in Chile and internationally.
Decessus’ achievements on the concert circuit are remarkable and lend weight to Fernández’s artistic career. They have opened for high-caliber international bands such as Insomnium and Jinjer, validating their musical quality within the genre. The mention of Jinjer is particularly relevant, given the fame of its vocalist, Tatyana Shmaylyuk, which underscores Decessus’ stylistic affinity within the modern metal scene.
A highlight of their pre-Miss Chile career was in September 2024, when Decessus opened for the symphonic metal band Epica in Santiago. For any Chilean metal band, opening for such established figures in the global metal scene is a mark of prestige.
In addition to performing at home, the band has taken their music abroad, touring and playing at festivals across Europe, including shows in Finland and Germany. This international presence is a strong testament to Decessus’ impact, demonstrating that their music resonates globally far beyond Latin American borders.
The band has released several singles, including “Traitor,” “Dark Flames,” and “The Hollow Descent.” They are currently working independently on their first studio EP, which will feature a mix of songs in English and Spanish.
The Miss World Chile Campaign: A Challenge of Purpose (2025)
Ignacia Fernández, an activist for animal rights and female inclusion in metal, combined her social commitment and artistic career to compete in pageants like Miss World. Her candidacy, which included modeling and her role as a death metal vocalist, was valued by judges who seek social relevance. Despite her talent, Fernández felt anxious about performing death metal on national television, worried about the audience’s reaction, but she remained committed to her band and her music.
The Viral Moment: Gutural Screams and a Ball Gown
For the talent competition, Ignacia Fernández, Miss Chile from Las Condes, opted for a radically unusual proposal: to perform a death metal song by Decessus. She took to the stage in an evening gown with her band, accompanied by Carlos Palma, her band’s guitarist.
The contrast was intentional and powerful. While Palma played extreme metal riffs, Fernández showcased his powerful guttural screams. They performed original Decessus tracks such as “Dying Hope Blossoms” and “My War of Pain.”
The performance was described as “as unexpected as it was technically flawless.” The audience and judges were initially “astounded,” but their surprise quickly turned into a standing ovation. One judge admitted he had never witnessed anything like it in a beauty pageant.
The video of her performance went viral globally, attracting the attention of rock and metal media outlets such as Revolver and Metal Injection, who praised her vocal control. The impact transcended pop and rock, catching the attention of artists like Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Amy Lee of Evanescence, and Rosalía. This massive response demonstrated that Fernández’s victory was based on disruption and technical skill. The fusion of glamour and death metal became a powerful statement. Fernández described the experience as a way to break down barriers, inspire, and stay true to herself.
Ignacia Fernández: More than a Miss, a Symbol of Inclusion and Authenticity
On the night of Sunday, November 9th, Ignacia Fernández was crowned Miss World Chile 2025, a triumph that resonated far beyond the world of beauty pageants. Her victory, forged through parades, interviews, and talent showcases, where her charisma and voice stood out above those of Bárbara Wolfenson, the runner-up, represents a milestone in the pageant’s cultural evolution.
Overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, Fernández expressed, “I am so grateful; I wasn’t expecting this at all. It’s been many months of preparation, and I am truly thankful for all the support and affection I’ve received.” In addition to the crown, she was awarded a valuable diamond ring, worth over $12 million. Aware of the significance of her victory, the singer shared on social media: “I embrace this beautiful challenge with all my energy and heart focused on representing my country in the best way possible. I promise to give it my all, with passion, hard work, and purpose.”
Support for the Metal Subculture
Fernández’s crowning is not an isolated event, but rather a reflection of a trend toward authenticity and the appreciation of powerful personal stories and genuine talents, such as her mastery of death metal. The “authentically metal model” narrative became her greatest strength, demonstrating that the discipline and intensity of extreme metal are admirable qualities, even in the world of glamour. Her success is a victory for inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and validating the metal subculture before a mainstream audience that may have historically underestimated it.
International Projection and Legacy
As Miss World Chile 2025, Ignacia Fernández succeeds Francisca Lavandero and is preparing to represent Chile in the Miss World 2026 international pageant. This global platform will not only provide her with unprecedented visibility, but also that of her band, Decessus. The artist assumes the responsibility of promoting Chile’s image in the competition and, simultaneously, that of the Chilean extreme music scene on the world stage.
Ignacia Fernández stands as a powerful role model for women in extreme music, demonstrating that self-expression and rigorous technique can overcome gender bias in a niche historically dominated by men. Her legacy is based on the idea that authenticity knows no aesthetic boundaries and that a candidate’s true strength lies in her ability to be genuine.
