Introducing: Knocked for Six

Emerging from the heart of Colchester, Knocked for Six is a force to be reckoned with. Seamlessly blending the raw power of metalcore with the dark allure of synth-wave and hardcore grit, this band is carving out a sound that’s as unfiltered as it is unforgettable. Born from the ashes of Collected, a former Essex powerhouse that played Bloodstock 2022 and earned features in Metal Hammer, Knocked for Six takes that momentum and channels it into something fiercely new.

With influences like Stray from the Path, Meshuggah, and Coheed and Cambria, the band doesn’t just play music—they create a visceral experience. Their lyrics confront the weight of mental health struggles, technology’s stranglehold, and dystopian despair, offering a cathartic space for listeners to connect and feel.

As 2025 approaches, Knocked for Six is primed to dominate. With four blistering singles and accompanying music videos set for release, along with a UK tour through major cities, this rebranded juggernaut is ready to unleash its full potential. Prepare for relentless energy, raw emotion, and a sound that challenges everything you thought you knew about metalcore.

1. How did Knocked for Six come together musically, blending metalcore with dark synth-wave and hardcore grit?

“We’ve always had really eclectic tastes, and it just made sense to blend all the things we love. There’s no need to stick to one sound when we can mash them all up and create something unique. So, it came together pretty naturally, and we just followed where the music wanted to take us, combining those different influences into a cohesive sound.”

2. Your lyrics explore heavy themes like mental health and the weight of dystopian existence. How do you balance these intense topics with creating music that energizes your audience?

“We’ve always believed that music is a way to process and connect, so tackling heavy themes like mental health and dystopia feels quite natural to us. While the lyrics dive into darker topics, we hope the energy in the music creates a cathartic release. We’d like to think that covering these intense topics might in some way help people feel connected and a bit less alone. It’s about finding strength in the chaos and creating an experience where people can let it all out.”

3. Coming from the ashes of Collected, how has your evolution into Knocked for Six shaped your identity as a band, and how does your past inform your present direction?

“Rebranding as Knocked for Six gave us the freedom to start fresh and focus on the music we truly wanted to create. With Collected, we sometimes felt boxed in, and while we’re proud of that chapter, it didn’t fully represent where we wanted to go as a band. Knocked for Six reflects our decision to embrace all the dynamics we love—heavier breakdowns, clean melodies, synthwave elements and hardcore energy —without being tied to one sound. Our past gave us a solid foundation, but this evolution has allowed us to fully express ourselves and enjoy the process of creating music again.”

4. With four new singles and accompanying music videos on the way, what can fans expect from these releases, both musically and visually?

“Fans can expect these upcoming releases to be diverse, both musically and visually. Musically, we’ve drawn inspiration from our eclectic influences, so while there’s a familiar overarching sound, each song has its own identity. Some tracks lean more into the heavier side of things, others showcase more synth-driven moments, and we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone. Lyrically, we dive into the same heavy themes we’re exploring—mental health, dystopia, and all that Orwellian stuff. Visually, we’ve definitely drawn inspiration from movies like Blade Runner and The Matrix—films with that dystopian, futuristic edge. Our drummer Harry, who’s really into cinematography, played a big part in making sure the visuals match the atmosphere of the songs. The whole vibe is dark, cinematic, and kind of chaotic, just like the themes we’re exploring. We hope people can relate to it, feel connected to it, and maybe even get some release from it.”

5. You’re heading into 2025 with an extensive UK tour. What excites you most about bringing your new material to live audiences, and how do you approach creating an unforgettable live experience?

“The live aspect is honestly the most exciting part for us. There’s just something about performing live that gives us so much energy and excitement—we feed off the crowd’s reactions. It’s always been the part of being in a band that we love the most, so we can’t wait to get out there and play these new songs. We’ve spent so much time refining them, and now it’s all about seeing how people react when we perform them live. It’s that connection with the crowd—playing off their energy, feeling the reactions, and just vibing together.

When it comes to making a show unforgettable, we definitely don’t just wing it. We really take the time to sculpt our setlist. We think about which songs flow best into each other, how to keep the energy high, and where to drop the dynamics so the crowd can catch a breather before the next wave of energy hits. We don’t want to cut anyone’s fun short, so we make sure the live experience has that ebb and flow. It’s not just about playing songs; it’s about creating a performance that keeps everyone engaged and highlights the energy of the music in the best way possible. It’s all part of the experience we want to give people, and we make sure that every show feels like more than just a gig—it’s a live performance that’s crafted from start to finish.”