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I was thinking of maybe starting up a small lord of the rings army

You can do a low-model count force with the more "elite" (i.e., high cost) options from most of the Evil armies. The average Warrior in SBG costs 7 points with a weapon upgrade. By contrast, Saruman's Uruk-hai come in at 10, or 11 with a crossbow. So Isengard is certainly something to consider. Looking East, you could try ... well, Easterlings. Their heavy armor means they start at 7 points but can get as expensive as 11. Finally, Mordor has a variety of elite Warriors: from Morannon Orcs and Uruk-hai, through Black Numernoreans and Morgul Knights, to the Black Guard.

Basically what Manchu said, to some extent every army can go elite or hordey. Personally, though, I'd pick Isengard.

a) The Uruk-hai are some of the visually coolest models in the game, so you'll have an epic force,
b) They are very competent fighters on their own (better than most Mannish troops, on par with Elves and Dwarves for The most part) and when fighting in a phalanx with some pike support they're lethal both offensively and defensively. Alternatively, give them Crossbows for some of the most deadly shooting in the game.
c) Your elite troops are also very dangerous, Feral Uruks and Uruk Beserkers are both capable of taking down several times their number of lesser troops with good rolls.
d) As and when you expand the army, you've got plenty of options. Warg Riders for range and speed, Orc Warriors for a few extra bodies for your points, Isengard Trolls for some real hitting power, Saruman who is just awesome,..

The only 'downsides' to the army are:

- You will often be outnumbered, but from the OP you're ok with that.
- Vrashku aside, your named Uruk heroes aren't brilliant, Lurtz and Ugluk are not as good value as a plain Uruk Captain. However, lots of people do still use their excellent models as genetic Captains.

Isengard are a great army to play, very fun and with some of the game's best looking models available.