A Study of Absence is the sophomore album from Belgian progressive metal four-piece TRAELS — and a natural next step after their 2024 debut The Abyss Within. Atmospheric, precise and intense, both calm and heavy, continuously pulling between tension and release.

Two years of shows sharpened the band, and it shows on this record: a bit heavier, with more room for vocals, more dynamics, groove and layering. First single Centered set the tone — hitting hard while leaving space for the dynamics and catchy melodies that define the TRAELS sound, its videoclip a story of finding the balance between letting go and staying “centered” at the same time. The Weight of Ease followed as the second single, tracing someone emerging from confusion to figure out who they really are and where their strength comes from — choosing what feels right over what hurts. For fans of VOLA, Karnivool, Plini, Leprous and The Ocean.

The album was mixed by Anton Franzon and mastered by Acle Kahney (TesseracT), who also mastered the band’s debut. A Study of Absence is TRAELS raising the bar on everything that made that first record resonate — tight, textured, and built for audiences who crave something thoughtful and heavy at once.

A Study of Absence drops Friday, November 20th, 2026, via Polderrecords, on 180gr 12″ vinyl, CD digipack and digital. Pre-order starts Friday, November 6th. Available in four editions: Die Hard Label Exclusive (ltd 25), “Black” (ltd 175), Tour Edition (ltd 100), and CD digipack.