Album Review: Where Is The Man by Ultima Ratio (2007)
If you’re into raw, unfiltered rock with a mix of hard-hitting Oi vibes, Where Is The Man by Ultima Ratio is worth your time. Released in 2007 on Rebel Records, this German band brings an authentic energy that feels like a sweaty pub gig—rowdy but real. It’s not perfect, and that’s kinda the charm.
The album kicks off with “Under The Influences,” which sets the tone right away. You can almost smell the beer and feel the crowd shoving against each other as the guitar riffs punch through. The lyrics are simple, but they stick. It’s one of those tracks that makes you wanna shout along even if you don’t know all the words. Then there’s “1000 Pints Of Lager,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a chaotic anthem celebrating drinking culture. Sure, it might not be deep poetry, but damn if it doesn’t get stuck in your head after a listen or two.
Other standouts include “Kampf Gegen Rechts” (Fight Against the Right), where the band takes a more serious turn. It’s got grit and purpose, showing they’ve got something to say beyond just partying. And let’s not forget “Für Ihr Land,” blending German pride with anthemic melodies that feel oddly empowering, even if you don’t speak the language.
What sticks with me most about this record is its honesty. There’s no overproduced polish here; it’s rough around the edges, just like the genres it represents. Hard Rock meets Oi in a way that feels natural, never forced. Tracks like “When The Shit Hits The Fan” bring that rebellious spirit front and center, while slower moments like “Our Thoughts Are With You” add depth without dragging things down.
Here’s the thing though—this isn’t gonna be everyone’s cup of tea. Some folks might find it too loud, too brash, or maybe even too repetitive. But for fans of old-school rock with attitude, it hits the spot.
In the end, Where Is The Man reminds me why I fell in love with rock music in the first place—it’s messy, heartfelt, and unapologetically itself. Plus, how many albums make you want to chug a pint and think about life at the same time? Not many. Cheers to that.
