Wake of Corrosion: A Deep Dive into the Post-Apocalyptic Audio Drama
- Joao Nsita
- Apr 4
- 10 min read
As we approach April 2025, the world of audio fiction continues to thrive, offering listeners immersive escapes into richly crafted universes. Among the standout productions in this vibrant landscape is Wake of Corrosion, a UK-based podcast that has captivated audiences since its debut on May 10, 2021. Created by Shaun Pellington under his Shadow & Static banner, this post-apocalyptic horror drama blends suspenseful storytelling, atmospheric sound design, and compelling character arcs to deliver a chillingly memorable experience.
With three seasons already released and a fourth that dropped in Spring 2024, Wake of Corrosion has solidified its place as a fan-favorite, drawing comparisons to giants like The Magnus Archives and The White Vault. In this 2,900-word deep dive, we’ll explore the podcast’s premise, production, structure, themes, reception, and why it’s a must-listen for your April 2025 binge list—perfectly timed as of today’s date, March 29, 2025.
The Premise: A World Unraveled
At its heart, Wake of Corrosion is a descent into a nightmarish version of England, where an undefined apocalyptic event has upended civilization. The story kicks off with brothers Elliot and Roman, voiced by creator Shaun Pellington and his real-life sibling Lee Pellington, respectively. Seeking respite from their tech-saturated lives, they embark on an off-grid camping trip in the English countryside. What begins as a simple retreat spirals into terror when they return to find their world transformed—empty roads, abandoned homes, and an eerie silence punctuated by signs of chaos.
The narrative unfolds through a dual lens: the brothers’ journal entries and recordings, which capture their raw, immediate reactions, and broadcasts from Professor Ryan (Kieran Walsh), a survivor holed up in Bunker A:12. Ryan’s analytical dispatches attempt to piece together the catastrophe’s origins, offering a broader perspective on the unraveling world. The unknown nature of the apocalypse—hinted at through cryptic phenomena like corrosive mists and shadowy figures—fuels a pervasive sense of dread, keeping listeners guessing. This setup, blending personal survival with a larger mystery, hooks you from the first episode, making Wake of Corrosion a quintessential post-apocalyptic tale with a distinctly British flavor.
Production and Sound Design
One of Wake of Corrosion’s defining strengths is its production quality, which elevates it beyond many peers in the audio drama space. Shaun Pellington, a self-taught creator with a passion for storytelling, wears multiple hats as writer, director, and sound designer. The result is a sonic experience that immerses you in its bleak, desolate world. Ambient effects—static-laden radio transmissions, rustling leaves, distant howls—create a palpable atmosphere, while subtle sound cues like creaking doors or faint whispers amplify the tension.
Music is a crucial component, with Kevin MacLeod’s tracks like “Phantasm” and “Shadowlands 5 – Antechamber” lending an eerie, cinematic depth. These haunting melodies underscore key moments, from quiet introspection to pulse-pounding encounters, enhancing the podcast’s horror roots without overpowering the dialogue. The sound design doesn’t just set the scene—it becomes a character in itself, whispering secrets the narrative only hints at.
The voice acting is equally impressive. Shaun and Lee Pellington’s real-life chemistry as brothers translates seamlessly into Elliot and Roman’s dynamic—Elliot’s cautious pragmatism clashing with Roman’s impulsive bravery. Kieran Walsh’s Professor Ryan brings a measured, intellectual counterpoint, while Brianne Leeson’s The Courier adds a gritty, enigmatic edge in later seasons. Listener reviews often praise the cast’s emotional authenticity, noting how their performances ground the fantastical horror in relatable humanity. This synergy of sound and voice makes Wake of Corrosion a masterclass in audio immersion.
Structure and Storytelling
Wake of Corrosion is structured across seasons, with three completed (Season 1: 10 episodes, Season 2: 8 episodes, Season 3: 8 episodes) and a fourth released in Spring 2024, totaling around 34 episodes by now. Each episode clocks in at approximately 24 minutes, a digestible length that balances narrative depth with binge-friendly pacing. The story unfolds non-linearly, weaving between the brothers’ present-day struggles and Professor Ryan’s retrospective broadcasts, a format that mirrors the fragmented world they inhabit.
The dual narrative serves a dual purpose: Elliot and Roman’s recordings deliver visceral, in-the-moment stakes—think frantic dashes through abandoned towns or tense debates over dwindling supplies—while Ryan’s dispatches provide context, piecing together the apocalypse’s scope through fragmented clues. Season 1 establishes the brothers’ survival odyssey, Season 2 introduces new characters like The Courier, and Season 3 deepens the mystery with hints of a larger conspiracy. Season 4, fresh off its 2024 release, reportedly escalates the stakes, though spoilers remain scarce as of March 29, 2025.
This multi-perspective approach creates a layered storytelling experience, balancing personal drama with world-building. It’s a slow burn—some fans note the deliberate pacing of early episodes—but the payoff is worth it as revelations unfold, making it ideal for a committed April binge.
Themes and Appeal
Beyond its horror trappings, Wake of Corrosion is a profound exploration of human resilience and fragility. The post-apocalyptic setting amplifies themes of isolation—Elliot and Roman’s bond is tested by the void around them—and survival, as they confront both external threats and internal doubts. Trust emerges as a central motif: who can they rely on in a world where humanity’s remnants are as dangerous as the unknown? Hope flickers faintly, often overshadowed by fear, yet it drives the brothers forward, resonating with listeners who crave stories of perseverance.
The podcast’s existential undertones elevate it into speculative fiction territory. What caused this collapse? Is it nature’s revenge, a human experiment gone awry, or something cosmic? The ambiguity invites reflection, a hallmark of great horror that lingers beyond the final sound. Fans love this slow unveiling—Reddit threads and reviews call it “addictive” and “hauntingly poetic”—though some critique the gradual pace as a hurdle. For most, the tension and character depth make every episode a rewarding step into the abyss.
Reception and Impact
Since its launch, Wake of Corrosion has amassed a dedicated following and critical acclaim. It’s frequently cited on “best audio drama” lists, with reviewers praising its “superbly immersive” soundscape and “uniquely mysterious” vibe. On platforms like Podchaser and Apple Podcasts, it boasts ratings above 4.8 stars, with fans lauding its ability to blend suspense with emotional stakes. One listener called it “a slow descent into madness that you can’t turn off,” while another hailed its “thought-provoking” take on humanity’s fragility.
Not all feedback is flawless—some note uneven acting in minor roles or find the fourth character’s Season 2 introduction jarring. Yet these critiques are outliers in a sea of praise. The podcast’s impact extends beyond reviews: it’s inspired fan art, discussions on forums like r/audiodrama, and even a small but passionate community on Patreon, where Pellington shares behind-the-scenes content. By April 2025, its four-season run positions it as a binge-worthy gem, ripe for new listeners to discover.
Comparison with Other Audio Dramas
Wake of Corrosion shares DNA with other audio drama titans but carves its own path. Like The Magnus Archives, it uses a serialized format and eerie atmosphere, though it swaps cosmic entities for a grounded apocalypse. The White Vault fans will recognize the isolated horror and multi-voice storytelling, but Wake opts for psychological dread over visceral gore. Compared to The Left Right Game or Rabbits, it leans less on tech-thriller tropes, focusing instead on raw survival and sibling bonds.
Its British sensibility—think damp forests and stoic resilience—sets it apart from American counterparts, offering a fresh lens on the post-apocalyptic genre. Where others might lean on jump scares, Wake of Corrosion thrives on creeping unease, making it a literary cousin to works like The Road or Annihilation in audio form.
Why You Should Listen in April 2025
With four seasons available as of Spring 2024, Wake of Corrosion is primed for an April 2025 binge. Its high production values—lush soundscapes, evocative music, and stellar acting—create an immersive escape that’s perfect for spring’s lengthening days. The 24-minute episodes, totaling roughly 13.5 hours across 34 installments, make it manageable yet substantial, ideal for a weekend or a week-long dive. Whether you’re new to audio dramas or a seasoned fan, its blend of horror, heart, and mystery offers something unique.
For post-apocalyptic buffs, it’s a chilling twist on the genre; for horror lovers, it’s a slow-burn masterpiece. As spring awakens, Wake of Corrosion’s themes of survival and renewal resonate, making it a timely listen as we transition toward summer. Plus, with no new seasons confirmed yet as of March 29, 2025, now’s the perfect moment to catch up and join the chorus of fans awaiting what’s next.
Conclusion
Wake of Corrosion is more than a podcast—it’s a sonic journey into a world teetering on collapse, crafted with care by Shaun Pellington and his team at Shadow & Static. Since May 2021, it’s evolved from a debut project into a post-apocalyptic audio drama titan, blending horror with humanity in a way few can match. Its premise—a camping trip gone wrong—hooks you, while its production quality, from Kevin MacLeod’s haunting tracks to the Pellington brothers’ authentic chemistry, keeps you immersed. Across four seasons, it builds a narrative that’s both intimate and expansive, exploring survival, trust, and the unknown with a slow, deliberate grace that pays off in spades.
As April 2025 looms, Wake of Corrosion stands as a binge-worthy masterpiece, offering 13.5 hours of tension, emotion, and existential dread. It’s a testament to audio fiction’s power to transport and provoke, leaving listeners haunted yet hungry for more. Whether you’re drawn by its atmospheric horror or its poignant character arcs, this UK gem is a must-listen that continues to ripple through the genre. Dive in this spring—Elliot, Roman, and Professor Ryan await.
10 FAQs About Wake of Corrosion
What is Wake of Corrosion about?
It’s a post-apocalyptic audio drama following brothers Elliot and Roman as they navigate a nightmare-ridden England after a mysterious collapse, narrated through their recordings and Professor Ryan’s bunker broadcasts.
Who created Wake of Corrosion?
Shaun Pellington, under Shadow & Static, wrote, directed, and produced it, also voicing Elliot alongside his brother Lee as Roman.
How many seasons are there by April 2025?
Four seasons are available, with the latest released in Spring 2024, totaling around 34 episodes.
What’s the average episode length?
Episodes run about 24 minutes, making them easy to binge yet packed with story.
Why is the sound design so praised?
It uses ambient effects (static, whispers) and Kevin MacLeod’s eerie music to create an immersive, unsettling world.
Who are the main voice actors?
Shaun Pellington (Elliot), Lee Pellington (Roman), Kieran Walsh (Professor Ryan), and Brianne Leeson (The Courier) lead the cast.
What themes does it explore?
Isolation, survival, trust, and existential dread, set against a backdrop of human fragility in an apocalypse.
How does it compare to other audio dramas?
It shares atmospheric vibes with The Magnus Archives and The White Vault but stands out with its psychological horror and British setting.
Is Wake of Corrosion suitable for a quick binge?
Yes, its 13.5-hour runtime across four seasons is perfect for a weekend or week-long listen in April 2025.
Why listen in April 2025?
With no new seasons confirmed yet, it’s the ideal time to catch up on this immersive tale, aligning with spring’s renewal themes.
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