BEYOND FEAR, the new band featuring former JUDAS PRIEST and current ICED EARTH frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens, has been confirmed for Festival de Rock Avándaro 2006, set to take place November 24-25 in Tijuana, Mexico. Also scheduled to appear are ALAN PARSON'S LIVE PROJECT, BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS and MAJESTY (QUEEN tribute). BEYOND FEAR is scheduled to perform on November 25.

BEYOND FEAR's European tour with VICIOUS RUMORS will kick off October 31 in Budapest, Hungary. The group's self-titled debut album was released in May via SPV Records.

BEYOND FEAR features in its ranks Owens alongside guitarist John Comprix (SPAWN, 13 FACES), Dennis Hayes (ex-WINTERS BANE, SEVEN WITCHES) on bass, and drummer Eric Elkins (CRYPTKICKER, ALL YOU FEAR). Guitarist Dwane Bihary (MISSING SKIN) recently left the group.

Texas-based metal band OUTWORLD has announced the addition of Brazilian vocalist Carlos Zema (HEAVEN'S GUARDIAN, VOUGAN). Carlos "has exceeded OUTWORLD's expectations with his vocal abilities," according to a press release.

Commented OUTWORLD guitarist Rusty Cooley: "I knew he was the perfect fit from the very first note!"

Check out a sample of Carlos' vocals at www.myspace.com/outworld.

Zema replaces Kelly Sundown Carpenter, who most recently sang on BEYOND TWILIGHT's "Section X" album (2005).

OUTWORLD's debut CD is slated for release on November 13 via Replica Records. OUTWORLD is currently working on material for its second album.

ARCH ENEMY frontwoman Angela Gossow has posted the following message on her MySpace page:

"Although the Gigantour isn't over yet (we will be meeting up with MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD and OPETH in Japan and Australia again), I got the 'end-of-tour' blues. I had to say goodbye to a lot of wonderful people already. I am sitting in a stupid hotel room at Orlando airport. I feel lonely, I miss the tour bus and always having somebody around. No laughter and music pouring through the aircon whilst I am trying to fall asleep. This room isn't moving. And it is way too big for me. I can't relax here.

"I want to be in Japan NOW. And I don't really want to go back to Sweden. I don't miss 'home' anymore. I don't need four rooms, stuffed wardrobes, cupboards and a big TV. I never owned a car anyway. All I need to be well fits into one bag. No drama, no worries, just the road, the bus, the venue, cool people.

"The last couple of days were intense. We had the guitar contest winner R. Kelly (yes, this is REALLY his name! Ryan Kelly! on stage with us in Tampa, Florida. He is 17 years old, from Seattle. And nailed that 'Ravenous' solo without throwing up or fainting on stage. I would have done both simultaneously. This young man has nerves of steel!

"The Gigantour crew finally shot the live footage for the upcoming DVD in Sunrise, Florida. We gave it all, so it should turn out killer!

"Orlando was the last Gigantour show in the U.S. We have almost a week off now until Loud Park festival, Tokyo. I thought I'd give it all and scream my voice to pieces that night. I really went for it, but didn't succeed. My voice doesn't even have a scratch. I have been absolutely careless with my voice on this tour. Drinking wine and sitting up talking nonsense to 5 in the morning. No voice rest. Fuck all this. My voice is doing better than ever. I hope Melissa [Cross, Angela's vocal coach] isn't reading this.

"To everybody I met at the shows/signings, shared dressing rooms, thoughts and drinks with: Thank you for being so nice and patient with me! I have had a wonderful time in the U.S. … again! I love your friendliness, passion and your wholefoods markets! I will miss you A LOT!"

The final lineup has been announced for the 2006 Monterrey Metal Fest, set to take place Saturday, November 18, 2006 at the Coca Cola Auditorium in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. It is as follows:

Main Stage:

BLIND GUARDIAN (Headliner)
U.D.O. (Co-Headliner)
CATHEDRAL
EDGUY
OBITUARY
DEICIDE
LEAVES EYES
SADUS

2nd Stage:

JOE STUMP'S REIGN OF TERROR
BLUDGEON
HYDROGYN
VAINGLORY
MALIGNO
DIMENSION
SOULS ON FIRE
SOLITUDE
MULUC PAX
PENTAGRAM
MUTUM

The official festival pre-party will be held on Friday, November 17, 2006 at the Cafe Iguana with mini-sets from bands that will be performing on the festival's main stage and second stage.