The VHII's are VERY clean sounding, and sounds great when You crank the amp.
These have a very clear bottom-end as well, and sounds killer for down-tuned stuff.
You "might" wish for more output for extreme metal, but I'm very pleased with the tone as it is.
They can do AC/DC, ZZ-Top, old VH. Into a good high gain amp, even metal. No problems at all.
I can imagine these as a great pair in a barritone guitar due to the clean and clear tone the VHII's produce. That means no mud whatsoever.
And IMO they LOVE to be pushed hard, it's like they really opens up at higher volumes.
Good luck.
T.