Antioch Arrow

The Profile

Antioch Arrow are a U.S. band associated in the review with West Coast hardcore and the early evolution of screamo. Their album “Gems of Masochism” is described as a sharp shift toward gothic/glam-tinged, chaotic rock, released after the band had already broken up.

From the provided review: Antioch Arrow are discussed alongside Heroin and Swing Kids as foundational to screamo; “Gems of Masochism” was recorded in December 1994 at the Beastie Boys’ G-son studios in Los Angeles; the band reportedly broke up before the album’s release and did not tour it; it developed an underground following and was cited as an influence by At the Drive-In.

The review frames Antioch Arrow as a key West Coast hardcore band linked to early screamo, highlighting “Gems of Masochism” as a drastic pivot toward gothic/glam textures. It describes the album as chaotic and disorienting yet compelling, with unexpected elements like organ and a voice-and-piano ballad. The band reportedly broke up before the album’s release and never toured it, but it still built underground influence.