I had only seen similar to the graze mechanic in racing games, it translated very well to this genre.
The damage happened on every level, in almost any scenario; teleporting enemies, boss attacks, regular attacks. In trying to replicate it, I found what was happening and can describe it more accurately: It’s multiple attacks in very close proximity hitting at once, and all dealing damage. Instead of taking the first hit, becoming temp-invulnerable and respawning, I take all 3+ hits for 3+ hearts before respawning. If the teleporting speaker does its 6-shot ring attack right as it spawns in on top of me, that would be the instant kill I mentioned, taking 7 damage at once. I put a short clip in discord and pinged you.