Hackneyed was founded in 2006 by Philipp Mazal (vocals) and Tim Cox (drums).
Shortly afterwards, guitarist Lydia and bassist Felix Papp joined the band. With this line-up they played their first gig, whereupon Lydia left the band due to health problems. Because the band was looking for a guitarist and found a bassist in Alex Büttner, the previous bassist Felix Papp switched to guitar. Soon the then 14 year old Devin Cox completed the band as the second guitarist. This was followed by festival appearances with Debauchery, End of Green and Fear My Thoughts, where record manager Achim Ostertag became aware of the band.
