Under Martin’s guidance, MFN continued to capitalise on the appeal of the frenetic extreme metal scene by creating subsidiary label, Under One Flag, and releasing landmark albums by Death, Dark Angel, Possessed, Nuclear Assault, Bathory and British acts English Dogs, Onslaught and Acid Reign.
Martin himself was a melodic rock fan, something which also saw him sign a number of AOR bands to the label. He also worked with Kerrang! journalist Paul Suter to release a compilation entitled Strikly For Konnoisseurs (named after the column that ran in the magazine) which gathered together a host of acts under-appreciated U.S. and Canadian hard rock acts – Angel, Starz, Legs Diamond and The Joe Perry Project among them.
As Music For Nations developed further, Martin secured the rights to entire Frank Zappa back catalogue for the UK and Europe, and worked with a diverse range of artists that included Paradise Lost, Warrior Soul, Revolting Cocks, Cradle Of Filth, Anathema and Opeth.
The label ceased to operate in 2004, but was relaunched by Sony Music 11 years later without Martin’s involvement. Today, MFN still holds true to his pioneering spirit and is home to diverse artists that include Killswitch Engage, Bury Tomorrow, Milk Teeth and Black Futures.
A modest man who eschewed the limelight, Martin Hooker’s legacy is enshrined in a vast catalogue of releases that continues to inspire music fans around the world. The artists that owe him a debt are manifold and he will be greatly missed by all those who enjoyed his company. Everyone at Kerrang! would like to send our condolences to Martin’s wife Linda, and the entire Hooker family. Rest well, Martin…