First off, the woods. You dont seem to need much in teh way of super-thick or low end, so I think maple neck alder body will give you the mainly bright but full bodied sounds you want with enough chunk for fat power chords
Pickup wise, are we talking SSS or HSS or HSH here, or have you not decided?
If you havent decide yet, I'd recommend HSS for what you want.
H: Mule, crawler, VHII
S1 - You have
S2- Trilogy