uhm... what about dark tranquillity next album ?
well, you pretty much said everything about (expecting the unexpected, more extreme, maybe the last one etc.).
but i believe it will be all about "style".
"style" as a form of progression through identity.
it's true that DT never sounded like any other band around, they become truly "a classic". yes, they have their own inspiration, like everyone that plays music, but they have also their own distinguished sound and this awareness will lead them to refine and redefine their "classic" sound.
"character" sounds like dark tranquillity SHOULD sound in 2005, and i believe the next one will follow this path.