Hello James. Welcome to GT. I am sure that you'll get plenty of advice here regarding your choice of an electric guitar. I would recommend going to the guitar shop and playing as many as you can, ask the sales people what they think regarding your interests and keep cost in mind. You don't have to spend a months pay to get a great metal/hard rock sound.

I am a blues guy myself so I can't really recommend that best for your genre but stick around. I'm sure you'll get a lot of food for thought shortly! Again, welcome to GT. :)