asauldm | Music

“Nightmare Tripping” is the title track of the fifth studio album by the British rock band Don Broco. The song was released as a single on February 13, 2026, via Fearless Records, while the full-length album arrived on March 27.

Genres: Alternative Rock, Nu Metal, Metalcore, Hard Rock, Arena Rock.

About the Song

“Nightmare Tripping” showcases a heavier, larger-scale side of Don Broco. Its sound blends alternative rock, nu metal, metalcore, and arena rock, combining the band’s signature electronic elements with massive guitar riffs and a huge, arena-ready chorus. The band itself described the album as the heaviest in their discography.

A key feature of the track is the appearance of Nickelback: Chad Kroeger delivers lead vocal lines, while Ryan Peake plays guitar. For Don Broco, this collaboration fulfilled a longtime dream, with the band calling it “a dream come true.” Although Nickelback is primarily associated with post-grunge and 2000s alternative rock, their presence fits seamlessly into Don Broco’s modern, heavier sound.

The lyrics center on the concept of nightmares, sleep paralysis, and the anxious state between sleep and reality. Opening imagery of scorpions, John Mayer on an iPhone, and feeling a “heavy weight on the chest” builds a surreal, slightly absurd atmosphere.

Music Video

The official music video for “Nightmare Tripping” premiered alongside the single on February 13, 2026. Directed by Gordy De St. Jeor, it follows a narrative structure rather than a typical live or performance format.

The video was shot in an abandoned/burned-out house in Los Angeles, which served as a haunted house set, enhancing the clip’s dark, unsettling mood.

The visual concept explores the line between dreams and reality. Don Broco framed this around the feeling of being unsure whether you are awake or asleep, while a paralysis demon forces you to confront the very things you tried to escape in your dreams.

As a result, the video functions as a short surreal horror film, combining narrative scenes, eerie imagery, and band performances. Outlets have described its aesthetic as a blend of film noir, thriller, and horror.

Audience Reception

Listeners and viewers received “Nightmare Tripping” very positively, with much of the discussion focused on Nickelback’s unexpected feature and the band’s heavier tone.

On Album of the Year, the single holds a 78/100 rating based on 72 reviews, with most scores ranging between 80–100. Fans praised the heavy riffs, chorus, Chad Kroeger’s vocals, and how effectively the collaboration turned out.

Notably, even listeners who typically dislike Nickelback responded positively to Chad Kroeger’s contribution, with many Reddit users expressing surprise at how naturally his voice fits Don Broco’s heavy track.

Key highlights noted by listeners include:

• Chad Kroeger — His vocal performance was one of the biggest surprises of the track;
• Don Broco’s heavier sound — The nu-metal/metalcore direction was well received;
• The chorus — Frequently called one of the band’s best;
• Dynamic structure — The song feels packed and unpredictable;
• Blend of styles — Blending classic Don Broco elements with a heavier edge.

While some felt the song’s transitions between sections were slightly abrupt, others cited that exact unpredictability as one of its strongest elements. Overall, “Nightmare Tripping” has established itself as a fan-favorite track on the album.

In Short:

“Nightmare Tripping” is one of Don Broco’s most ambitious tracks, where British alternative and nu-metal aesthetics meet Nickelback’s arena-rock sound. With its surreal theme, heavy riffs, electronic textures, and the Rob Damiani / Chad Kroeger vocal duo, the song serves as a centerpiece of the album.