BORN GIFTED / PARAGON

In 1999 Nangyala returned with a new mini-CD entitled, ''Born gifted/Paragon'', which was another self-production by the band.A couple of line-up shakes sees new lead singer Daniel Woltgens taking the place of Alex Armaos and Pieter Hanja feeling in the place of the departing Stefan van de Anker.

Following the line-up changes, there is also a refreshment regarding the style of the group, which is more focused and directed to Neo Prog grounds.''Born gifted'' was actually written by the already gone Alex Armaos, but the the track was destined to be sung by Woltgens, nicely indicating the new direction of Nangyala, which was a combination of Neo and Heavy Prog with monster, orchestral synthesizers and powerful electric guitars, accompanied by the pretty decent vocals of the new singer and reminding at the end the later-days ARENA.Very angular, dynamic and groovy stuff.''Paragon'' clocks at almost 13 minutes and here the band tries to fit its energetic and passionate Neo/Heavy Prog music with more refined and elaborate atmospheres, based on mellow, lyrical textures.The dramatic, instrumental middle-part with the bombastic synths and the crying guitar moves is absolutely great and the piece works well in this combination of alternating calm and pounding soundscapes.The third track of this mini-CD is just a radio version of ''Paragon'', cut in 4 minutes.

What appeared to be some decent potential in ''Spheres'' becomes reality with ''Born gifted/Paragon''.Nangyala focused on the Neo side of Progressive Rock and the result is absolutely satisfying.Recommended.