As for the Band logo, I always liked the first version best (from Falconer and Chapters). The Sceptre version was a bit boring but it was okay to. The GvG version looks great, but the original had an ancient and particularly falcon-like feel. Very much like mighty talons carved in stone. 8)
You are right. The new logo is pretty slick, and it does look very good, a really well done design. However, the old logo is more old-school looking, and it feels more natural if you will.
A while ago I thought that if the band was to modify their logo again, it would be kind of a merge between those two, as if capturing the fact that Blad is back, into the newest lineup.
And I agree about the pics from
Gime vs. Grandeur, I recall that the first thing that went through my mind upon seeing them was "err... what the deuce?". :P