It is the only record featuring the original lineup (guitarist/vocalist Buzz Osborne, bassist Matt Lukin, drummer Mike Dillard).

Tracks 3-13 were recorded by Michael Diamond at Sound Art Studio by Mud Bay, a suburb of Olympia, Washington, for possible album release.

Ultimately the album was not released at the time, as no record label was interested in the Melvins until 1985.

The vinyl version of Mangled Demos From 1983 was released on Alternative Tentacles as a double 10" record.

Notably, it features a small booklet hidden amongst the vinyl with liner notes by Buzz Osborne detailing life in Washington around 1983 with almost no details on the actual record or recording itself, done in a similar fashion to the liner notes in 26 Songs and Gluey Porch Treatments.