Yup, the old EJ band was great, he never managed to recreate that sound.
And I agree, EvH is a stunning rhythm guitarist, for some reason many yank players with technical prowess are. Steve Morse is another one - he has singlehandedly changed the groove of the Deep Purple juggernaut - and Tommy Bolin comes to mind too. In contrast, neither Blackmore, Clapton or Beck are rhythm guitarists to write home about. Page is the one English exception that springs to mind, for all his sloppy lead work, he's a very daring, iventive and original rhythm player. Zep's typical sound has a lot to do with that forte of his. Richars, of course, is a great rhythm player, but that is his main job anyhow.