Brazenly raw emotion and headbanging psychedelia overflow in the dynamic sound of Exceptional Failures. The PDX two piece, made up of singer/guitarist Corey Distler and drummer Dambo, shatter expected limitations of a duo with heavy riffs and fiery, unpredictable solo breaks. Distler’s poignant lyrics, often drenched in the darkness or spiritual worth of humankind, are delivered with heart-wrenching intensity while Dambo’s commanding drum power propels them through their explorative arrangements.

Officially formed for a show on New Year’s Eve 2022, the duo emerged from the wreckage of an experimental 4-piece outfit. Distler adopted a unique style, seamlessly transitioning between bass, rhythm and lead parts. Dambo also crafted a new drum approach, favoring frequent fills, solos and drum breaks. Their dedication to this stripped-down instrumentation allowed for Distler’s inspired songwriting, honed in his past project Dead Men Talking, to flourish. In turn, Dambo’s experimental, off-the-wall audio/visual project, The High Five, primed the group for their ambitious DIY music and video concepts.