[Ebon Hand]

It seems like Undivided Chaos is what you would like. Chaos is one of the most versatile armies there is, and with chaos you could do combinations of devestating close combat and fearsome shooting. You can get those Noise Marines you like as elites, but you would have to do Black Legion or your own undivided chaos force.

Deamons are very good, and there is a deamon to suit every need, and with undivided you have access to all of them. Its obvious Chaos has plenty of conversion opportunities as well, in fact some things will have to be converted if you choose them(like Kai Guns for example). Tyranids are also an option as they have great versatility and are cool with their new plastic models which offer good conversion opportunity as well.

You shouldn't write Tau or Ig off completely though. I myself didn't like them when I first came into the game, but I came to see that they aren't just stand and shoot armies, and they require their own skill and finesse to play. I've become a big IG fan and I can't wait to start on them. Tau are also getting new additions to their army soon, so you might want to check them out later after they get updated and see if you like them.

Witch Hunters are a rarely picked first choice, but they are one of my favorite armies to see in action. The Sisters of Battle's acts of faith make for some pretty crazy things happening suddenly in the game. Many people say they are challenging to play, and while they have some of the very best models, they pretty much are all metal and therefore hard to convert. Inquisitor Lords and their retinues are really fun to convert though.