I can't decide! Both are sooooo unique! But I think that's a good thing and both create a sense of mystery and mood. Anywhere you can take away a small word or substitute with a + sign or ampersand. Short and sweet works better and makes it more easily remembered. Both feel very textural at first glance, especially the second one.

How adventurous can you be with the branding. Could you use rusty water to draw the lettering? So it has that murky bronze feel? Any time you can take that extra step to use creative tools is a plus!