For several years now, the masses have been waiting and wondering if the brothers Dickinson would ever reform the band that made them famous.

The North Mississippi Allstars had been thrilling audiences since 1996, born from the seeds planted by their father, musician and producer Jim Dickinson, and the Hill Country blues scene that was spearheaded by the likes of R.L. Burnside, Otha Turner, and others. They released their last record in 2008, when guitarist Luther Dickenson was called in to join The Black Crowes and drummer Cody Dickenson was left to form Hill Country Revue. Both musicians have been successful in making significant contributions to their individual projects, but fans have always hoped that the brothers would eventually reform the original band and tour again.

The wait is over, as “Keys to the Kingdom” will be released Feb. 1st, the result of the brothers desire to cope with the loss of their legendary father, who passed in August 2009, and simultaneously honor his legacy with that which he most loved: music. Along with original bassist Chris Chew, the Allstars have done just that, with an album of great music and inspiring lyrics.

Enlisting the talents of legends Mavis Staples, Ry Cooder, Spooner Oldham, Gordie Johnson, Jack Ashford, Jim Spike and Alvin Youngblood Hart, the brothers Dickinson have made what may be their most mature and intense album to date. Opening with “This A’Way,” an angry rocker that cries “I hate to be treated this a’way,” the first stage of grief is compounded by its followup, “Jumpercable Blues,” that screams “All y’all can go straight to hell.” The rest of the album explores the concepts of mortality, often from the perspective of their father preparing to die as in the gospel-soaked “The Meeting,” “How I Wish My Train Would Come,” and “Hear the Hills.” A cover of Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again” is done with a distinct hill country blues feel, and tunes like “Let It Roll” and “Ol’ Cannonball” show the boys cranking out some of the best hardcore blues originals of their careers.

“Keys to the Kingdom” is a stellar tribute to the man who gave the brothers life and instilled the love of music deep in their hearts, and it is from deep within those hearts this music comes.