"The Absence of Presence" is the sixteenth studio album by the American progressive rock band Kansas, originally slated for release on June 26, 2020. However, due to manufacturing delays, the release was rescheduled to July 17, 2020. This album is notable as Kansas's fourth studio release since the retirement of founding member Steve Walsh, who had been the band's lead vocalist and keyboardist. The previous albums in this period include Vinyl Confessions 1982, Drastic Measures 1983, and The Prelude Implicit 2016.
The Absence of Presence is the first Kansas album to feature keyboardist Tom Brislin, marking a new phase for the band. It is also the last album to include violinist David Ragsdale, who played a significant role in the band's sound during his tenure. Guitarist Zak Rizvi, who contributed to this album, departed the band in April 2021, shortly after the album's release, but rejoined Kansas in 2024.
