replace the strat with a more metal-ish axe.
(This is really a doublestandard, since I use
a strat to play metal, and that works fine for me)
replace the fender strings for.. .. I dont know, I use
D'addario and that works fine.
I would also recommend thinner strings, but apparently you dont want thinner strings so the I suggest you practise and practise and practise, and after a while you'll not even know why you even thought about replacing your thick strings.