Yeah, the original was one continuous track, as Dopesmoker is but the record label deemed it 'unmarketable' and demanded the band change it. They responded by

Yeah, the original was one continuous track, as Dopesmoker is but the record label deemed it 'unmarketable' and demanded the band change it. They responded by basically keeping it the same, but cutting it up into smaller ~10 minute tracks, which the label again deemed unacceptable. The band split as a result rather than change their work (which I give them mega props for). Years later fans managed to raise enough money to get it released in its original, unedited form which is the Dopesmoker we have now.