The album was initially released by Bulk Recordings on May 7, 1996, under the shorter title "Dr. Octagon". Although the album sold relatively well, Nakamura has said it was under-promoted because it was released by an independent label. In both the United States and United Kingdom, the album was issued by Bulk Records on vinyl as a double LP, and on compact disc with bonus tracks. Separately, it was also issued by Mo' Wax in the UK as a triple LP, reflecting the track listing of the Bulk Recordings compact disc. "When we did this record we thought of it as an underground joint", Nakamura said.