For feeling "Brutish" as you put it SS, is my fav primary. But Stone Melee was pretty cool also. A bit end heavy but with WP as my secondary it was okay after SOs. Nothing like seeing crumbles of rock all over the ground after pounding someone with them is always great to watch. 
I would have to agree if that's the feel you like i would also go with stone/?
I also say SM. Recently took one to 50 and it definitely had a brutish feel.
Make a DM/SR and enjoy heavy ST, quick animating attacks that blend oh-so-smoothly into SRs elusive goodness. That is next for me. Or perhaps a DM/SD. Shield is tons of +dmg fun and can be built up to be rather sick if you stick with it. Dark melee can have its smashy moments filled with tons of utility. I bet you one of the combos will suck you in for sure. Just beware- /SR is a late bloomer.
Words to the wise aren't necessary- it's the stupid ones that need them.
"You're right...I forgot...being constantly at or the near the damage cap is a big turn off. Definitely not worth it."
- Vitality
I've recently gotten my SS/WP to 50, and now I'd like to start another brute. I'm unsure of what to try next though. I want it to feel really BRUTISH and to get sucked in the way I did with my SS. Suggestions?