How about recording two takes: 1) Normal setup, 2) Take away the cymbals.
 
Mostly kidding, but maybe it would work?
 
Regards,
Dan
 

Cymbals sound best when mic'd from a distance.
Too close... and you'll hear the nasty gong-like characteristics
Further away, you get the clearer shimmer and definition
As proof, listen with your ear close to a cymbal... and then listen at a greater distance.
 
Long winded point; make sure the overheads aren't too close to the cymbals (raise them higher).
 

Thank you all for your considered suggestion. Looks like I have a bit of work ahead.
 
AT, I do have a couple of MXL ribbons and have tried them. Oddly, they seemed to exacibate the  problem. I don't have a high ceiling so maybe the figure 8 patten picked up too much ceiling. I had better results with SDC mics, though still not good.
 
Anyways, nothing like a challenge, and as I haven't done a lot of real drum recording, I'm sure going to learn something.

Today I had a quiet chat with the drummer and played back the latest takes and he agreed that perhaps he was a little vigourous with cymbals. So we made a few changes and set up mics on the rack, snare, kick, tom and one overhead in a more forward position and higher, and did some more takes.
 
Although I think he still played with the same vigour, the results were totally pleasing. I think perhaps the change in OH position and individual mics, instead of just two OHs helped immensely.
I know there is still lots to learn. 

awareness....
 
is HUGE
 
for drummers.
 
even when you watch vids of Bonham playing,
he always FINESSED the cymbals even as he appeared to be crushing them.
 
he was extremely aware of his overall mix,
 
the other side of the 'classic rock' coin would be alex van halen, who just bashes the cymbals,
that's why all of their songs are just a non stop wash of cymbals..
but that kind of works for van halen,
so it's all relevant.
 
 
but when you can hear that it is wrong, it is wrong.
 
great thing is, it's so easy to fix (at the drummer)
and, the end result is awesomeness.

If money were no object he seems to be a candidate for the Gen series cymbals. They are touted as not being as loud. Yes, they come with pickups and an interface for recording but you could just use them as "raw" cymbals when conventionally mic'd.