If you want good metal crunch, get a Boss MT-2 Metal Zone pedal. This thing has dual channel distortion with all the EQ you need. It's a great pedal and you won't be disappointed.

BTW- scooping the mids makes your tone hollow.

And there is NOTHING wrong with alternate tunings in Metal. ALL of them do it for various reasons. Try playing all the Metalica or Slayer stuff while staying standard. GOOD LUCK

When it comes right down to it...all we can do is give you recommendations and then it's up to you to determine what works best and SHRED AWAY!!!

ALL HAIL KIP WINGER!!! (I can't even say that with a straight face) :D