Best Hard Rock Guitar Configuration?

I am in the market for a new guitar and amp for starting a band. I have played guitar for almost 10 years now, and have never really owned a proper set up (save for about 7 quality effects). I am looking to drop some money on a mid-priced guitar and amp. What is the best configuration for metal or hardcore music? I like the sound of high treble but a nice cut on palm muted notes, and an emphasis on bands like Breaking Benjamin or Atreyu. I have been looking at a Gibson x-plorer and Peavey 5150 head with probably matching cab or maybe Mesa/Boogies.

Also looking at ESP and some more influences are Shadows Fall + All That Remains

I love the Peavey 5150 (6505+ now), that's the amp I use. I couple it to a Marshall 1960A Cab. I love this setup because its all natural tube amp sound that I get out of it, no eq, no built-in effects, just pure amp tone. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best bang for the buck. In terms of guitar I am a huge fan of Ibanez and ESP. I have an Iceman, an RG, and the Alexi Laiho signature. All of them sound phenomenal through this setup. I can't really recommend a specific model simply because I don't know your playing style. By preference I like the bigger bodies, dual humbuckers, and an ebony fingerboard. The ebony fingerboard is a lighter wood so you are able to play so much incredibly faster than on rosewood or maple. My Alexi is still the best guitar I've played, for the money at least. In my opinion if you're going for a guitar around the 800 dollar range, I'd recommend the ES/LTD EC1000 in vintage black or snow white, both come with EMG humbuckers and an ebony fingerboard.

You may want to check out this setup from this guy on youtube. I was really impressed with his version of "Amsterdam" from Van Halen. It's sounds exactly like the real thing!

I'm sure you could send him a message through there also. ... Enjoy the video! ;-)

Click the link ---- > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pPlTEsZ4...

Les Paul through a Marshall. That's the answer for everything.
'World peace?' Les N Marshall
'I think my wife's cheatin on me' Les n Marshall
'Honey can you go to the store n get some milk' (too busy with my Les n Marshall to look up) you get the picture.

the boogie is a wise way to go. very versitile, can PUMP out that warm brown noise and go all the way to a searing scalloped tone. they absolutly kill with an extra tube preamp/dist

marshall will give you a marshall sound and not much else.

i have never used the 5150, but peaveys cheaper transtube amps sound rubbish.

i played a jackson JS30DK recently that was f'n nice

my bc rich bich (wide thin neck) absolutly canes, though i might get a Q-tuners neodymuim bridge pickup for it soon.
it's gets unbelieveably good definition on my Event ASP8 monitors with NI guitar rig. even well above 400 bpm

steinberger ?

esp guitars rock...the emg active pickups are very hot sounding and they will scream if you want them to.. they will sound soft if you need them to... esp viper 400 packs a big kick in the *** for a godd $$ .. it plays very close to the gibson sg... i use the marshall mg 100... i think it needs more bass in the speakers though.. but that can be done with a EQ.... you would like the sound of it i think ... good rock set up ....