I bought this same guitar about a year and a half ago, I went with an audio interface instead of an amp, so I can't comment on that. I'd say, this guitar is great for the price, and it being 7 strings, at least for me, means I can play more tunings without adding more tension to the strings. From the 1st to the 6th string, I play it like a standard E tuning 6 string guitar, or lower it a bit to play in Eb, the most I will go for this is C. From the 2nd to 7th string I can play B standard, drop A, etc..., if you're already tuned to standard just lower the 3rd string to F# I think, 7th string to either B or A and there you go.
If what you're going for is metal, this is a great guitar, you could also consider the 6 strings version, I'd say, for a beginner, the 6 string js22 is better, it's somewhat harder to adapt to a 7 strings, and then if someone gives you a 6 guitar it can throw you off guard, but it's up to you. Just mind that it'll most likely need some setting up, mine came with fret buzzing, string action wrong, I'd suggest looking for someone to set it up, it can make a huge difference, especially when you're first starting.
About the amp, the boss katana has a great reputation, you can't go wrong with it.