For years, Sleep Token have been steadily building a devoted following in the metal world — but if you were wondering when the mysterious U.K. collective would break into the wider music consciousness, that time appears to have arrived. Chris Daughtry, the powerhouse vocalist and frontman of the multi-platinum rock band Daughtry, has not only discovered their music, but has embraced it so much that he recently performed one of their most talked-about songs.

During his March 27th concert at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London, England, Daughtry took a surprising turn in his setlist, delivering a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of Sleep Token’s viral 2023 single “Chokehold.” Known for his soaring vocals and arena-ready rock anthems, the former American Idol finalist brought an entirely new dimension to the brooding, atmospheric track.

Accompanied only by his guitar, Daughtry’s version transformed “Chokehold” into an intimate ballad, letting the haunting lyrics and aching melody take center stage. His emotive delivery and dynamic control gave the performance a personal, almost confessional feel — so much so that if you didn’t already know the song’s origin, you might have assumed it was one of his own creations.

The audience at Royal Albert Hall responded with rapt attention, many visibly moved by the unexpected cover. For fans of Sleep Token, it was a striking reminder of how their music is resonating far beyond the boundaries of metal, reaching artists and listeners across genres.

The original “Chokehold,” released in January 2023, became one of Sleep Token’s breakout tracks, amassing millions of streams and fueling anticipation for their third studio album, Take Me Back to Eden, which arrived on May 19th. The song is emblematic of the band’s distinctive style — a fusion of progressive metal, alternative rock, R&B, and ambient influences — and its ethereal yet powerful atmosphere has clearly struck a chord with artists like Daughtry.

While Chris Daughtry has built his career on mainstream rock and pop-driven hits like “It’s Not Over” and “Home,” his decision to spotlight “Chokehold” suggests a willingness to step outside his musical comfort zone, as well as a deep respect for Sleep Token’s artistry. It also marks another moment in which the enigmatic band’s reach continues to expand, bridging the gap between niche metal fandom and the broader music world.

Fans can watch Daughtry’s performance on YouTube to see the unique spin he brought to “Chokehold,” and then compare it to Sleep Token’s original — two versions of the same song, each haunting in its own way.